Everton midfielder teases supporters as talks over new deal progress
Idrissa Gueye teased Everton supporters with a flurry of social media posts amid his ongoing talks over a new deal. The veteran midfielder is due to enter the final month of his contract on Sunday but the ECHO understands discussions with the 35-year-old to extend his second stint at the Blues are progressing.
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The contract talks follow a season in which he was the backbone of a resilient Everton side, again asserting himself at the heart of the team's midfield. His form after the appointment of David Moyes in January was crucial to the results that pulled the club from a relegation battle.
The influence of the Senegal international was particularly valuable given Moyes was forced to take on his opening weeks with an injury-blighted midfield - he arrived with James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam recovering from serious injuries and lost Orel Mangala to knee ligament damage in the hard-fought win at Brighton and Hove Albion, just the third game of his return to Merseyside.
READ MORE: Liam Delap update, Idrissa Gueye decision, major contract news - Everton transfer stock take
READ MORE: Everton handed major Carlos Alcaraz transfer boost as priority deadline nears
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Gueye's relentless consistency - and the tenacity that saw him make more tackles than anyone else in the Premier League this season - led to supporters voting him the player of the year for the men's team.
Gueye was handed the award at Finch Farm and responded by speaking of his pride at the accolade and of his hope Everton get 'what they deserve' and can move on to competing for Europe.
There is an increasing expectation the former Paris Saint Germain star will be part of efforts to help Everton progress and he did little to play down that prospect on X, formerly Twitter. Sharing footage of his award win, he posted: 'Thank you everyone, the future looks bright!'
Gueye also asked another supporter to 'send me the proof' when he wrote he would name his child after the player, then used two laughing emojis as he shared another fan's request for him to sign a new deal.
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Moyes is keen to rebuild his central midfield this summer with Abdoulaye Doucoure departing the club once his contract expires next month and the Blues boss desperate to add goals from that position.
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