Everton set to extend Martyn stay

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Martyn could get the chance to extend his Everton career

Everton are ready to offer veteran goalkeeper Nigel Martyn a new deal if he recovers fully from ankle surgery.

The 39-year-old former England star has been out since January and is currently on his way back to fitness after a hairline fracture.

Everton have put all contract talks on hold until the end of the season.

But BBC Sport understands Martyn will be offered a new one-year contract if he proves his fitness after having a plaster removed from his ankle.

Martyn's right foot and ankle are in plaster - he also has wear and tear problems with his left ankle - and he is due to see a specialist next week for a further assessment.

Everton manager David Moyes said: "I hope Nigel will come back. He sees a specialist in the middle of next week, his right foot and ankle are in plaster, and he has problems with the other ankle too.

"The decisions will be made once the specialist has had a good look at him, and then how Nigel sees his own future.

"All we can do is wait and see. We would want Nigel to stay here, but he will need the all-clear from the specialist and from his point of view he would want to make sure he was not going to damage himself in any way that would affect his future life.

"He has been great for us, we got him for virtually nothing and he has been a fantastic signing for us. That is why Richard Wright has had to play second fiddle because Nigel has done so well."

Martyn has been outstanding for Everton since he moved to Goodison Park from Leeds United for a nominal fee in August 2003.

He suffered a new setback in March when it was discovered he had a hairline fracture after spendingthe previous two months on the sidelines.