Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club for the next four years.
The Australia international is a key player for Everton and his willingness to sign a new long-term deal is a boost for manager David Moyes’ on-going plans.
Cahill did not have the best of seasons by his own high standards but still scored 10 goals from midfield.
The 30-year-old had two years to run on his existing contract but Everton were keen to tie him to the club for a longer term. Cahill, who has scored 56 goals in 209 matches for Everton, was equally happy to commit himself to the Merseysiders.
Speaking just before the season ended he said: “The chairman and the gaffer know what I think of the club and so do the players — it is amazing. The chairman (Bill Kenwright) knows my thoughts, I will sign here for life. I respect everyone so much and hopefully I am here for a long time.”
Cahill’s signature was the second good piece of news for Everton today after it was revealed Marouane Fellaini’s recovery from ankle surgery is ahead of schedule and he could feature in the club’s pre-season campaign.
The Belgium midfielder had an operation after injuring ligaments in the Merseyside derby in February and was expected to be out until September. However, assistant manager Steve Round believes Fellaini could begin training in time to feature in some friendlies.
“We wouldn’t like to put any definite time frame on it for him because these things can always take little twists and turns,” said Round. “We are hoping he will become available in full training at some stage during pre-season. It was a really nasty injury that he got but he is doing exceptionally well.”