Everton have taken up the option on fullback Nuno Valente's contract to keep him at Goodison Park for a further year.

Despite being unlucky with a string of injuries - he is currently sidelined with a calf problem - Valente has been a big hit at the club and manager David Moyes will now retain the 32-year-old until next summer.

Valente originally signed a two-year deal in August 2005, with the option of a further 12 months, when he joined from Porto and Moyes: "We have now decided to trigger that extra year."

Valente has made 43 appearance for Everton and has earned 27 caps for Portugal, and was an integral member of the side that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Germany last summer.

The news of Valente's extended stay comes 24 hours after Everton agree to pay Manchester United £3 million for goalkeeper Tim Howard when his season-long loan ends in the summer.