Everton defender in demand as Blues prepare to make Matty Pennington transfer decision

Matty Pennington is on the radar of a growing number of Championship clubs.

The Everton defender is recovering from ankle surgery which cut his season short.

Pennington was impressing on loan with Ipswich Town before the injury struck and the 24-year-old is on the wanted list of clubs in the second tier.

Wigan Athletic are understood to be keeping a close eye on the defender's situation as he and Everton decide on their next move.

Pennington signed a new three year deal last summer but spent the campaign at Portman Road and may struggle to force his way into Marco Silva's thinking next term.

Matthew Pennington of Ipswich Town and Will Grigg of Wigan Athletic compete for the ball (Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

A permanent exit from Goodison is likely to be on the cards should the Blues' valuation of the highly-rated centre-half be met.

Derby County, who missed out on promotion to the Premier League on Monday, made a late January move for Pennington but Ipswich refused to send him back to Everton so he could make the switch to Frank Lampard's team.

It is thought the Rams retain an interest in Pennington.