Everton make complete U-turn on out of contract player as they’re now set to open talks to renew his deal

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Everton have a number of first-teamers out of contract at the end of the season.

In fact, 13 players are heading into the final few weeks of their contract at Everton, so clearly there are plenty of talks to be had.

• Dominic Calvert-Lewin
• Seamus Coleman
• Abdoulaye Doucoure
• Idrissa Gueye
• Ashley Young
• Michael Keane
• Carlos Alcaraz
• Orel Mangala
• Jesper Lindstrom
• Jack Harrison
• Armando Broja
• Asmir Begovic
• Joao Virginia

David Moyes and the club have been keen to avoid contract negotiations until Premier League safety was secured.

That was achieved last month, and now with Angus Kinnear in post as the new CEO, there is expected to be movement on that front.

With that said, it appears the Toffees have made a complete u-turn on one player, who could be offered a new deal.

• READ MORE: The Friedkin’s aren’t messing around as Everton plot ambitious move for Champions League finalist

Everton make U-turn on Abdoulaye Doucoure contract

Abdoulaye Doucoure, whose deal expires at the end of the season, has been a key fixture of Everton’s midfield over the last few years, both under Sean Dyche and David Moyes.

As such, Doucoure feels he should be given a new contract and shouldn’t have to take a pay cut, which has been suggested.

It was initially expected that Doucoure would leave on a free transfer, with a number of Premier League clubs showing an interest.

However, it appears Everton have made a complete U-turn, as The Athletic report that the club are likely to have discussions about renewing the former Watford man’s contract.

The outlet further adds that Idrissa Gana Gueye and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will also sit down for talks over the coming weeks.

Best to move Doucoure on

Doucoure has been a good servant for Everton, and there’s never been any question over his commitment, which isn’t always a given in modern football.

But, the 32-year-old is past his peak, and the Friedkin Group want to drive down the average age of Moyes’ squad.

So, the time is probably right for the club to move Doucoure on and replace him with someone like Sunderland’s Chris Rigg.

The Toffees are showing a serious interest in Rigg ahead of the summer window, having been impressed by his performances in the Championship over the last 18 months.

The 17-year-old is valued at around £40m, though, so it won’t be a cheap deal to complete.