PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: The ever-reliable Idrissa Gueye close to signing 5-year deal at Everton

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Nov 02, 2017. 10:00

The English Premier League (EPL) outfit have confirmed that the Senegalese international is poised to sign a new five-year contract with the club.

The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the key players for the Toffees since he joined club for £7.2m from English side Aston Villa in August 2016.

Everton caretaker manager David Unsworth confirmed the club are close to finalising a fresh deal for Gueye.

“I believe we are very close which is fantastic news for Everton,” Unsworth said on Express.

“We are very close and that’s great news for Idrissa and great news for me.

"He’s been great over the period of time. I have seen his performances," he continued.

“At Aston Villa he was a top player as well and a humble guy.

"So to tie him down for a number of years is great.”

Last season, Gueye made 33 league appearances in the EPL for Everton and the defensive midfielder netted once in the process.

The former LOSC Lille midfielder has made 10 league appearances for the Toffees in the current 2017/18 campaign.

Gueye and his Everton team-mates will take on Watford FC in a league match at the Goodison Park on Sunday.