Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has revealed his desire to extend his stay with the club after entering the final 12 months of his contract.
The 29-year-old joined the Toffees from relegated Watford in the summer of 2020 in a deal worth around £20m, and has gone on to make 68 appearances for them across his two-year stay so far.
However, the Mali international wishes to commit his long-term future to the club this summer, and has publicly spoken of his desire to remain on Merseyside for a few more years.
Speaking on Everton's pre-season tour of the United States, Doucoure said: "I spoke to the club. They know my position. I want to stay here for much longer. With one year left, you want to know what is going on.
"But at the moment everything is a bit calm. Let's see before the end of the transfer window how it can change. Maybe the club have time to reflect on me and see how they want to plan with me in the future.
"I enjoy being here a lot. I want to commit to the club for the future. For three or four years more. I enjoy the atmosphere and have more to give to the club. Let's see if the club have the same reflections as me and we can work together."
Doucoure featured 30 times in the Premier League under Rafael Benitez and Frank Lampard for Everton last season, scoring two goals and registering four assists in the process, as his side narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight.
Matthew Tranter
