Everton full-back Jonjoe Kenny is close to agreeing a new contract at Goodison Park, according to the Liverpool Echo.

What's the word?

The 20-year-old initially made his first-team debt in 2014, but it is this season when he has started to come into his own.

The England Under-21 international has started for the Toffees in their past eight Premier League games.

Under the pressure of stepping in for injured Seamus Coleman, Kenny has performed well, coping so far with the tasks thrown at him.

In September last year, the right-back penned a three-year contract, but the Liverpool Echo reports that he is in talks to extend his stay.

Are Everton right to back him?

Sometimes it is risky to throw a young player into the deep end, and when new contracts and higher wages are thrown into the mix, the expectation level rises.

Kenny has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season and a big test for him came in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

It was the first time that the youngster had featured in a match against Liverpool, and while Everton were rather lacklustre going forward, Kenny played a huge role in preventing the Reds from running riot.

The full-back made some crucial blocks and committed to some vital tackles to help restrict the hosts to a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

As long as Kenny is not over-hyped in the media and is allowed to get on and do his job, there is no reason why he cannot eventually establish himself as a first-team regular.

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