'Everton close on Idrissa Gueye deal after talks twist'
Everton are closing in on an agreement with Idrissa Gueye as talks over a new contract continue behind the scenes on Merseyside.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Toffees are confident the 35-year-old will put pen to paper soon.
The midfielder's contract officially expired on 30 June, but he has remained in talks and David Moyes is keen to see him extend his stay.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 22 June that multiple Ligue 1 clubs have offered Gueye contracts after speaking to his agent about a deal.
However, the midfielder's preference would be to stay at Everton ahead of their move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium if the terms of the contract are right.
Football Insider revealed in May that Gueye’s future at Everton is still uncertain although Moyes is keen for him to stay as a key part of his squad.
Everton 'close' to agreeing Idrissa Gueye contract
Ahead of their move to the newly-built stadium, Moyes’ side are set to go through a transitional period with a number of first-team stars to leave.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United and worked closely with Moyes at West Ham, has insisted the manager is planning for next season with Gueye as part of his squad.
"David Moyes is a big fan of Gueye," he told Football Insider.
"He wants him to be a part of his squad next season even if he's not necessarily going to be in the starting XI because he brings plenty of experience.
"From what I'm told, he's happy at Everton and would ideally want to stay on Merseyside.
"He wants to play in the Premier League and I think the talks over a new contract have been heading in that direction in the last couple of weeks.
"They've made good progress with it and I expect they'll be close to an agreement.
"Of course, the terms have to be right for him and for the club, but they're all keen to get it done."
Kyle Walker-Peters update emerges after Besiktas twist
A number of players across English football have become available on free transfers after their contracts expired on 30 June, including Kyle Walker-Peters.
Football Insider revealed on 30 June that Everton are interested in signing Walker-Peters but now face competition from West Ham and Besiktas.
In a blow to his suitors in England, Besiktas are now ready to table a lucrative offer to the full-back, who has an admirer in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in January that Premier League clubs are racing for Walker-Peters who will consider all offers before making a decision.
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