Everton central midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure could reportedly leave for free this summer, and Sean Dyche has the final say on his future.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

Doucoure's contract at Goodison Park expires in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent.

He has had a resurgence under Dyche after being a bit-part player under Frank Lampard, and has started Everton's last Premier League.

The Latest: Up to Dyche...

As per Football Insider, Dyche will be given the final say in terms of whether Doucoure is allowed to leave on a free transfer this summer, or whether he stays at the Merseyside club beyond this season.

The Toffees have an option to extend his contract by another year, and it is thought that they would look to trigger it to protect Doucoure's value above anything else.

Speaking recently on his future, Dyche suggested that he could stay beyond this campaign, and hailed his 'excellent' form under him.

The Verdict: Depends on relegation

Whether Doucoure has a long-term future at the Blues is likely to be determined over whether they stay up or get relegated this season.

They are currently in the relegation zone at the moment, and so have a real chance of going down.

Doucoure is the joint-highest earner at the club on £120,000-per-week, and Everton will not want to keep him in the Championship on those wages.

However, should they stay up, Doucoure is clearly a player that Dyche likes, so the Toffees should at least be looking to extend his current deal.