Uncertainty following Everton's 10-point deduction in the Premier League has reportedly delayed contracted talks between the club and manager Sean Dyche from taking place.
Dyche has just 18 months left on his deal at Goodison Park, after signing a two-and-a-half year contract when being unveiled as the new Everton boss back in January.
Everton were in the relegation zone and on a rotten run of form before Frank Lampard was sacked following a 2-0 defeat at West Ham United.
The ex-Burnley manager arrived and won his first game in the Everton dugout against then-league leaders Arsenal at Goodison Park.
Some more crucial home wins against Leeds United, Brentford and on the final day against Bournemouth saw Everton clinch survival by the finest of margins.
Everton had been showing fine form at the start of this season too, as six wins in nine games saw them move a long way clear of the drop zone, and also earned them a spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
However, a 10-point deduction handed to the club by the Premier League for breaking Profitability and Sustainability rules plummeted them back into the bottom three.
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Despite the raucous atmosphere at Goodison Park on Sunday against Manchester United, with fans protesting against the decision, the Toffees were beaten 3-0 by Erik ten Hag's side, and remain level on points with Burnley at the foot of the table.
Now, the Daily Mail claims that the fallout from the penalty has delayed contract talks from formally getting started between Dyche and Everton.
However, despite the hold up, the report states that both parties are committed to each other and that talks are expected to take place soon.
It is believed that the club see Dyche as the man who can lead the club forward in this new era, given how he has performed in his first 10 months in charge.
Various financial issues are also said to be delaying any potential advancement in talks, with Everton currently in the midst of a potential takeover by 777 Partners.
Dyche will remain committed to matters on the field, and he takes his Everton side to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Andrew Delaney
