• Australia midfielder has two years left on current agreement
• Extension likely to be agreed before World Cup

Everton are close to agreeing a new contract with their attacking midfielder Tim Cahill. The Australian has two years remaining on his present deal.

The club are confident of concluding terms with the 30-year-old before next month’s World Cup in South Africa.

“We are at an advanced stage of negotiation with Tim and his representatives,” the chief executive Robert Elstone said. “We would be hopeful of concluding an extension and to put pen to paper on a new four-year contract before he departs for the World Cup.”

Cahill has scored 56 goals in 209 games since moving from Millwall in 2004.

David Moyes has made agreeing new contracts with key players one of his priorities as manager. The club are also in discussions with Steven Pienaar and Jack Rodwell over improved terms.

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