Ronald Koeman has revealed that Everton are in contract talks with Idrissa Gueye.
Gueye is newly into the inaugural 12 months of a four-year deal originally signed last summer upon the midfielder’s £7.1 million move from Aston Villa.
But such has been the Senegal international’s impact for the Blues that they have opened negotiations about a new long-term contract with improved terms.
“It’s true that we are in talks with him about a new contract,” said Koeman.
“I’m really happy with him; I think he had a big impact in that aggression on the midfield last season.
“We lost a little bit of his aggression at the beginning of the season, Morgan (Schneiderlin) was struggling a little bit at the beginning of the season.
“But both players did well against Man United and in that game Gana was perfect, Morgan was good and also last weekend.
“That’s what the team needs because these two players and also Gana is really important if they make that aggression and are winning second balls it is much better for the team.”