Everton have confirmed they have offered Ireland legend Seamus Coleman a new contract.
The veteran right back’s deal with the Toffees is due to expire at the end of the month.
Manager David Moyes had already made his desire to keep Coleman public, despite his injury-plagued season.
Coleman, 36, made just five league appearances and limped off in Everton’s final home match at Goodison Park after 18 months.
It was believed Coleman could stay with Everton in a combined role between player and coach as he plots for life after hanging up the boots.
The statement did not refer to coaching but did confirm they would like to keep him as a player.
It read: “The club is offering new contracts to Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gana Gueye, while we continue to liaise with representatives of Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the current deals of all four players expiring at the end of June.
“As previously confirmed, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay will leave Everton when their current contracts expire at the end of this month, with loanees Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja returning to their parent clubs.”
Seamus Coleman contract is good news for Ireland
Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson is eager for Coleman to continue his international career.
Having been forced to pull out of the games against Senegal and Luxembourg, Hallgrimsson was quick to reiterate that he was still part of his plans.
That’s because just his presence alone in the dressing room can be hugely beneficial.
Ireland will no doubt be looking towards his experience ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September and Hallgrimsson has already left the door open.
He said: “He is a leader in this squad, and you cannot have his experience in many players.
“His experience, his leadership skills are one thing, but his quality as a player is another thing as well.
“He’s been playing at the highest level for such a long time, so it’s a shame for me and, of course the national team, not to have him around.
“Hopefully there will come another time for him, hopefully it will be just the off-season and he’ll come fit and flying.”
When asked quizzed on whether Coleman is in his plans to play in the World Cup qualifiers, he added: “That’s for him to decide, not me.”
Ireland take on Luxembourg on Tuesday evening, looking to extend their unbeaten run to four games.