Everton will not be extending the contract of midfielder Fabian Delph as he has been a ‘complete disaster’, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The 32-year-old’s existing deal is set to expire in just a few months’ time, but there has been no indication so far that fresh terms will be offered by the Toffees hierarchy.

What is the latest news involving Delph?

Delph arrived at Everton from Manchester City back in July 2019 via a £9 million deal after he helped them claim two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three League Cups during his time at the club.

It was hoped that the England international would add some experience and leadership to the Goodison Park outfit’s engine room, but things haven’t exactly gone to plan.

In his maiden campaign as an Everton player, Delph made just 13 starts in the top-flight, and that number reduced to just two last term, while he has featured from the off only four times in the league during the current campaign.

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Multiple injury issues have significantly limited the tough-tackling dynamo’s ability to make an impact on Merseyside, and his days in dark blue could be numbered.

According to Spotrac, Delph is one of Everton’s highest earners, taking home £80,000-per-week, and it’s hard to envisage Frank Lampard and co. sanctioning an extension without a sizeable reduction in his wage packet.

What has Brown said about Delph?

O’Rourke believes there is ‘absolutely no prospect’ of the Everton chiefs handing the defensive-minded ace an extension following his underwhelming spell at the club.

He told GiveMeSport: “Obviously, Fabian Delph has been a complete disaster, but his contract is up soon, so there's absolutely no prospect of them extending that, that I can see.”

Should Everton release Delph?

Delph made his first start since 12th December over the weekend in the vital victory over Manchester United after being sidelined with a hamstring problem, earning praise from Lampard for his performance.

“We have missed Delph. It goes unnoticed,” said the 43-year-old tactician. “If we have one or two defensive midfielders out it’s tough for us as we don’t have that there. He gave us a sense of calm. He was great today.”

It remains to be seen if the latest reminder of his quality is enough to earn a new contract, but just 37 appearances in nearly three years is an indicator that Delph is perhaps someone Everton cannot rely on in the long term.