By Fraser Fletcher, Transfer Correspondent

17th Mar, 2023 | 4:00pm

Sources: Alex Iwobi ponders new Everton contract as talks continue

Everton are keen to extend the contract of Alex Iwobi and have offered him a new deal, sources have told Football Insider.

However the midfielder, 26, is taking his time in deciding his future as the club battles relegation and he has the safety of a year left on his current deal, which runs until the summer of 2024.

Clubs in the Premier League and across Europe are keeping close tabs on Iwobi as they weigh up moving for him in the upcoming window.

The Toffees are keen to extend the contracts of more key players after tying down goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to a new long-term deal last month.

Iwobi has started all 27 of the club’s Premier League matches this season and has also completed all but three of them in a remarkable testament to his significance to the team.

Everton paid £28million up front for the former Arsenal man and have also paid a further £7m in add-ons since he arrived in 2019.

The club are keen to secure the market value of a player they consider to be just as crucial under Sean Dyche as predecessor Frank Lampard.

This weekend the Nigeria international is in line to make his 250th appearance in the Premier League.

Everton are hoping to hold onto as many players as possible so that they can sell them at a significant price if they get relegated.

Iwobi is regarded as one of the club’s major assets and capable of securing a big fee.

In other news, Everton plan to terminate big name’s deal as decision made by chiefs