Irish midfielder Darron Gibson currently has one year left on his current deal after signing from Manchester United during the 2012 January trasfer window.
Gibson, 27, came back from a career threatening knee injury last season and has always struggled with injuries during his career. He joined Everton for a cut price due to his injury history, but when fit Gibson is a key part of everything Everton do.
Gibson hoping to be ready for pre season
The midfielder missed the last game of the season after breaking his foot and is aiming to be ready for the start of Everton’s pre season on July 6.
Gibson had a run of games between February and March where he was one of Everton’s better players. His turn in form also ran alongside an upturn in Everton’s form as a whole, after a Europa League exit to Dynamo Kiev.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez values Gibson highly, even after his injury history. Martinez is planning on sitting down with Gibson after the bulk of his transfer dealings are complete. He is still in the market for another centre back after Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz left the club this summer.
Offering Gibson a new deal before James McCarthy, after it was reported McCarthy is seeking a new contract will raise questions between Everton fans about wheter or not it is the right decision to carry on putting off a new contract for McCarthy.
Where does Gibson fit at Everton?
When fit, Gibson is a key player for the Toffees as he brings a different dimension to the midfield. He is always ready to play a forward ball into the feet of the striker compared to his midfield compatriots, who will play the simple pass to another midfielder more times than not.
With the addition of Tom Cleverley this summer, Gibson could have found himself expendable but opening up talks to stay longer at the club dashes that line of thinking.
Gibson will, however, have to find a way to stay fit and be able to compete for his place in the Everton squad, with an ever-expanding number of midfielders. If fit for pre season, Gibson will have his chance to impress and show he is still worth keeping around.