Seamus Coleman to extend Everton contract

Seamus Coleman is in line to remain an Everton player for another 12 months.

Coleman has become the longest-serving Premier League club player since arriving at Goodison Park from Sligo Rovers in 2009 for a modest fee of £60,000.

But the Republic of Ireland international’s role this season has been a largely peripheral one with just five appearances in all competitions for the Blues.

Now 36, it was expected that Coleman would transition into a coaching role after briefly taking temporary charge following Sean Dyche’s sacking in mid-January.

However David Moyes revealed on Friday that Coleman will see in a 17th consecutive season as club captain in the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

“Seamus will stay next season, without doubt,” said the Everton manager.

“He will be part of the group. I need him here, his leadership, his message he has among the players and in the dressing room is so strong. It’d be wrong of me to let him go.

“So one way or the other, Seamus will be here certainly next season.”

He added: “Seamus is actually a little bit more than a player here.

“He’s going into a position where he’s helped the club through some of the most difficult periods, but he’s never been to another club.

“Legends are normally the ones who win FA Cups and are involved in league titles and stuff like that, but I think there are other reasons with Seamus, more importantly his professionalism, and as a human being.

“In some ways he’s carried Everton a little bit through the difficult period and I know he’s certainly done it in the dressing room.”