Everton midfielder Allan was always going to be a short-term option for the Toffees, claims Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Brazilian is being linked with a move away from the Merseyside club after arriving at Goodison Park back in 2020, and Brown has suggested that an exit this summer could very well be on the cards.

What is the latest news involving Allan?

Last month, Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) reported that Everton will let Allan leave at the end of the season.

According to the same outlet, a move to Lazio, however, is becoming increasingly unlikely, with the player's age and wages not appealing to the Serie A side.

Everton signed Allan from Napoli in a £21m deal, and the 31-year-old has been an important player for them.

Speaking about his team-mate at the start of the campaign, defender Mason Holgate told evertontv: They [Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure] keep running all day and get across and break things up. That makes it easier for people like me and Mike [Keane]."

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What has Brown said about Allan's Everton future?

While Allan has been a key player for Everton since Carlo Ancelotti brought him to Goodison Park, it looks like they could be willing to let him go this summer, which does not come as a surprise to Brown.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Daily Star reporter said: "He has been kind of key to what they've done since he came in. It's just his age. They knew they were getting a player who had a lot of miles on the clock when they signed him, and they knew that his injury record wasn't great.

"So I think they probably knew when he signed that they were only looking at maybe a two, three-year window max really of Allan and then he'd have to move on one way or another. I think it's inevitable really. He was only a short-term option for the club."

Should Everton keep hold of Allan?

While Allan is not getting any younger, he is a midfielder who still has a lot to offer.

In the middle of the park, he gives Everton a lot of steel. This season, he is averaging more tackles per game (2.7) than any other player in Frank Lampard's squad (via WhoScored).

Simply put, the Brazil international may not be the easiest midfielder to replace this summer, while the Toffees are already light in that No.6 position.

When you look at Everton's squad, surely he should not be one of the first players sold by the club. But his contract, which expires next year, is a problem, as is the Premier League outfit potentially being relegated, so perhaps it is wise not to rule out a sale.