Anthony Gerrard’s loan spell at Walsall has certainly proved to be a successful one so far and Paul Merson has made no secret of the fact he’d like the centre back here again next season. So, what are the chances?

Gerrard has been highly rated when rising through the ranks at Everton and was given a one year contract last summer. It seems from Evertonians posting here at the moment that there may be a reluctance on the part of David Moyes to extend that this year. So, is that good or bad news?

When Gerrard came, the assumption was that any chance for next season would be on the basis of a long term loan while the teenager gained more experience. Certainly that would seem to be the best chance of us grabbing the player for any promotion push.

Gerrard himself has made it clear, however, that he has had no promises about his future as yet and that he will be sitting down to discuss that with Moyes when he returns. If Everton do release him, and that does not seem to be far fetched, according to some fans on Merseyside, there will be a lot more competition for his services. The Express and Star confirmed this yesterday, when it said:-

“There are strong indications that Gerrard will not be offered a deal at Everton when his contract expires in the summer, but that is by no means certain to leave Saddlers in pole position for his signature.
The Scouser has been a hit in the dressing room and has taken to life at Bescot, but his agents are likely to tout him around other clubs including several closer to his Merseyside roots”.

Merson needs to act quickly if that is the case, if he wants to try and sign the player on any permanent basis.