Everton confirms Gueye's contract renewal until 2022

Idrissa Gueye signed a new contract with Everton until 2022 on Tuesday, confirming rumours that surfaced the previous day.

Toffees fans were confused about there being no confirmation from the club on Gueye extending his stay yesterday, but the news has now been confirmed upon the conclusion of Everton's warm-weather training trip to Dubai.

"I love the fans here. They have been great to me. They made it easy for me to sign this contract," the 28-year-old explained. "Of course, I spoke with my family and my agent, but the love of the fans was really important and this is a really good thing for me.

"I have enjoyed immensely my time so far at the club, I enjoy working with the manager, his staff, and the players here, and we are really determined to finish the season strongly."

The Senegalese midfielder was signed by Ronald Koeman on Merseyside, and has gone on to play 64 times for the club. Only Wilfred Ndidi, Ander Herrera, and Mikel Merino have performed more tackles per 90 minutes out of those who've appeared regularly in the Premier League this season, and Gueye is an expert at snuffing out opposition attacks with timely interceptions.

It has been a difficult season at Goodison Park, but the club has managed to eke out an eight-point gap above the relegation zone. Much of that is down to a run of just one loss in its last eight home matches overseen by Koeman's successor Sam Allardyce.

Everton is on the road next time out, however, when it travels to Watford for Saturday's slate of top-flight fixtures.