The Times journalist Paul Joyce has revealed that Everton still plan to sign Conor Coady after his loan from Wolves, despite the departure of Bruno Lage.

The Lowdown: Lage departs

The Wanderers confirmed the departure of Lage on Sunday evening after a poor start to the season that has left them in the relegation zone in the Premier League table, having scored the fewest goals (three) in the division.

The Portuguese manager decided to let club captain Coady leave on loan to Goodison Park, after having reservations over whether he could play in a back four, and the Merseyside club have an option to buy him in the summer.

The Latest: No affect on Coady plans

Writing in his latest piece for The Times, Joyce has revealed that the Old Gold's decision to change their manager will not affect the Toffees' plans to sign Coady on a permanent basis.

The new coach at Molineux could have different opinions to Lage on the central defender, but they will not be able to recall him, and so Frank Lampard's side still plan to sign him permanently after his loan spell ends.

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The Verdict: No-brainer

Given the start that he has made to his Blues career, signing Coady permanently is a no-brainer.

As journalist Simon Phillips has pointed out, both him and fellow new signing James Tarkowski have been 'massive, massive' players for Lampard already this season, as emphasised by his team conceding the fewest goals in the top flight so far.

Coady seems to be thriving in a back four with Tarkowski as his centre-back partner, and is certainly proving Lage wrong in that respect.

Nonetheless, having been the captain at Wolves, the 29-year-old brings extra leadership qualities not just on the pitch, but in the dressing room as well, and so whatever transfer fee it would take, EFC simply have to pay it to get him in on a permanent deal.