(Football news) Everton are closing in on the signing of Wolves captain Conor Coady. The 29-year-old is expected to join on an initial loan deal with an option to buy the England international next season. The deal could happen before Everton's next game against Aston Villa on Saturday as Coady was dropped by Wolves manager Bruno Lage for Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Leeds when Max Kilman was paired with Nathan Collins in a four-man defence. It was the first time that the 29-year-old defender was left out by choice in a Wolves shirt since April 2017, and he remained an unused substitute at Elland Road.

Everton have reportedly beaten West Ham for his signature, with Coady wanting to end his seven-year stint at the Molineux for guaranteed first-team football ahead of the Qatar World Cup and a potential England call-up. It is hard to understand why Wolves would sanction a loan move for Coady as the player will want to play regularly, which is very understandable but if Coady was allowed to depart and Wolves had trouble with playing four at the back then serious questions would need to be asked. It is a tricky situation as Wolves have to consider the implications of not having Coady around or even purchase a replacement for him. Having let several experienced stars go already,  Wolves have got to make sure they receive compensation now and not next summer so that the funds can then be reinvested to make the team stronger.

At his press conference on Friday, Lage said Coady was "still my captain but accepted he had decisions to make about the structure of his team.: It's only right and respectful not to answer on individuals. He's one of the best people I know in football. Today I can say he is a guy I will keep in my friendship, he is still my captain.”

Coady was also attracting interest from West Ham and Lage said "I have massive respect for him. I need to make my decisions, but I cannot forget Coady or any player. It's not just about the World Cup, every player wants to play. Coady and all the players are focused and try to improve in a line of four. I have all my team motivated." Asked whether Coady could leave, Lage added: "I really don't know. But I will respect him and understand what is best for him."

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