Standard Liege’s discussions with Everton youngster Isaac Price are ‘still in progress’ with him expected to join the Belgian side this summer.
That’s according to Le Soir, who say negotiations have been progressing and the 19-year-old is ‘well on his way’ to joining Ronny Deila’s side next season.
They explain that there had been late competition from Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic for the young midfielder, but Standard have managed to beat them to the capture of the Everton man.
They’ll sign him in a €450,000 deal, with that figure relating to ‘training fees’ the Toffees will be owed despite Price being at the end of his contract in the summer.
They had tried to sign him to a new deal but that proved to be ‘in vain’ as Price made it clear he wanted to ensure regular playing time next season.
That wasn’t on offer under Sean Dyche as he prefers more ‘physical players’ in his midfield but may have been different had Frank Lampard remained in charge, with him a ‘great fan’ of the youngster.
Price has already travelled to Belgium to visit Standard’s facilities alongside his parents and there he will have met compatriot Fergal Harkin, who is the Sporting Director at the club.
Part of his decision to seek regular game time is believed to be because of his desire to feature for Northern Ireland, with him making the squad for the start of Euro 2024 qualifying in March.
He’s determined to remain in the picture on that front and has seemingly decided to swap Everton for Standard Liege in the hope of playing regularly and ensuring he is in Michael O’Neill’s plans moving forwards.
