Jake Evans has stated he would be open to leaving Leicester City once more if Northampton Town made a new approach for the midfielder in the summer.
The 17-year-old has had a breakthrough season with the Cobblers after being sent on a six-month loan away from the King Power, playing 17 times in both League One and the EFL Trophy and finding the net twice.
Sixfields Return Possible
Evans’ future may drastically change in the summer, given Leicester’s relegation to the third tier, with many players expected to depart, and Gary Rowett may have to contend with a rebuild, which could include some youth prospects.
However, Evans may instead opt to continue his association with his hometown club in the Cobblers, and did not rule out a return should Town come calling once more when speaking to the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.
“I’d never say no to coming back here. It’s my hometown club and it’s my local team. I need to give it my best shot at Leicester in pre-season first because I didn’t have the best pre-season last year, maybe I thought it was going to be too easy after coming off a few appearances in the Premier League.
“But coming here and playing men’s football has been the best thing for my development. It feels a bit weird that Leicester have gone down to League One to be honest but I’ve got to give it my best shot there and that’s what I’ve said to Col (Colin Calderwood).
“But I can’t just expect to go straight back into the first-team at Leicester. I might, I might not. I need to work hard and go back there as the best version of myself.”
Huge Summer Ahead
With Leicester City now facing a massive rejig in terms of their direction going forward, two of their best youth prospects could benefit hugely from the misfortune facing the Foxes.
One of those is Sammy Braybrooke, who is certainly well-placed to become a part of Gary Rowett’s plans next season after excellent spells at Chesterfield and Newport County, and should be ready to take the step up into League One.
However, Jake Evans’ future will be decided based on his pre-season efforts, and having a few impressive performances in the build-up of the campaign could tempt Leicester to keep the 17-year-old as part of their third-tier plans, given his experience at Northampton Town.
Abdul Fatawu is the prize piece in what is likely to be a fire sale over the summer, and with an absence on the right-hand side, Evans could find himself promoted into some regular gametime for his parent side if he can prove himself.
That might mean a decision of whether to head back to Northampton would come late into the window, but nevertheless, the teenager would become a star player in League Two as the Cobblers hope to bounce immediately back from League Two.