Sean Dyche explains academy ‘pathway’ as Everton prepare for exit of Frank Lampard favourite

Sean Dyche believes his academy staff have a “fair view” of Everton’s up and coming talent as one of its brightest lights looks set to leave.

Teenage starlet Isaac Price is in advanced talks with Belgian side Standard Liege as his Blues contract approaches an end. Everton have sought to retain the midfielder but he is understood to be keen to test himself with first team action.

Losing the youngster would be a blow to the club, which is working hard to develop the pathway from the academy to the senior side. But Dyche backed his team when asked about the situation at Finch Farm and pointed to the opportunity Ellis Simms had received. Simms has earned two starts under Dyche and came off the bench to score a crucial late equaliser at Chelsea.

Price made his Premier League debut at Arsenal on the final day of last season. He then took full advantage of the opportunity provided when Everton visited Australia during the World Cup break, starting the games with Celtic and Western Sydney Wanderers and being credited as the club’s best player on the trip by Frank Lampard.

Lampard then gave him minutes in the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion and named him in several matchday squads before his departure. Dyche is yet to select him, though he entered with the club entrenched in a relegation battle.

Asked for his opinion on the Price situation, Dyche showcased his trust in those around him and his commitment to supporting youth prospects.

He said: “I don’t know the history of it, obviously. Coming in, I think there is a fair view of the young players here. You have seen Simmsy play games and a couple of the younger lads have been training with us – the really young lads, a couple of the Under-18s as well, so I certainly believe in the pathway for young players.”