Season › 2013-14 › News

Distin could be offered new deal

Frenchman remains in peak form

Sylvain Distin has admitted that he would like to stay at Everton as reports emerge that he could soon be offered a new contract at Goodison Park.

The defender turns 36 next week but has defied his advancing years with consistent performances in a Blues defence that is among the tightest in the Premier League.

The Mirror claim that Roberto Martinez is keen to reward the Frenchman's form with a new one-year contract, a move that would make sense if he wants to transition to a younger replacement next season.

He found himself in a similar position last season and he admits that it was stressful not knowing if he would be asked to stay on but he is in a better frame of mind this time around.

“Maybe last season I was a bit tense about a new deal," Distin is quoted as saying, "but right now I feel completely relaxed and I want to stay.”

“It seems like the club wants me to stay so I am sure we will find a solution. And if it's not here then I will find something else — but I am happy where I am, and that is the most important thing.”

Martinez gave every indication that Distin's form would be rewarded with a new deal, talking effusively about him on evertonfc.com:

"Sylvain has been an incredible performer this season. I wouldn't say he has just carried on where he left off last season, he has stepped up and has gone to a different level.

"He has always been paramount in our defensive duties but now he is very important in our style of play and the distribution that he brings to the team.

"Age becomes a number. Sylvain looks after himself - he is always the last man out at Finch Farm and he could play for a long, long time.

"The number becomes experience in football and it can be used to your advantage. We need to enjoy this player who is a true ambassador of our football club."

 

• Martinez: No age barrier for Sylvain

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