The one Everton player who is expected to be a priority in future contract talks despite his inevitable exit

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David Moyes and The Friedkin Group will be working hard to return Everton to normality.

Of course, normality for Everton has been fighting relegation, but for once this season, there hasn’t been the sense of that for a couple of months.

Abdoulaye Doucoure could now sign a contract, as the midfielder has played a crucial role in making sure the Toffees remain a Premier League club during these relegation fights.

But The Friedkins are only looking forward, and the hope is that they can compete for Europe once again.

Martin Keown can see this happening, mooting Everton for Champions League, but first, a large chunk of the squad needs to be sorted, and one name has cropped up to be a priority.

Idrissa Gana Gueye expected to be contract priority at Everton

Idrissa Gana Gueye has arguably been Everton’s player of the season.

Despite being 35 and looking likely to bring an end to his career, the midfielder is far from that and is showing that in his performances.

The way he plays looks as if he’s in his prime and is a reason why Everton need to give Gueye a new contract.

Moyes thinks Gueye is ‘terrific’, and it’s clear why a decision is being made by the ownership.

According to The Athletic, Gueye is expected to be top of Everton’s ‘list of priorities’ in terms of handing out contracts, but much will depend on wage demands and playing expectations.

READ MORE: Liam Delap makes transfer preference clear as Everton might have lost all hope

Gueye’s future looked all but confirmed at Everton

At one point, it looked like Gueye’s exit looked inevitable, but it seems as though the hierarchy have doubled down on keeping him.

Transfers will be made a priority this season, and although Moyes wants an overhaul in the squad, Gueye should certainly not be in that category.

Gueye, being one of the best tacklers in Europe, should’ve been enough to convince The Friedkins midway through the season.

Now it’s up to the player himself whether he wants to enter the new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock or find another opportunity in the latter stages of his career.