Everton set for Idrissa Gana Gueye contract talks as new role comes clear

Everton are expected to enter contract talks with Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is likely to have a new role with the Toffees for next season.

The Blues are in for an interesting summer of incomings, with this window crucial for the recruitment and David Moyes.

The Everton boss is prioritising a new striker, right-back and defensive midfielder, which puts Gueye's future into doubt.

However, everything will soon come clear, as the Toffees are set for contract talks with the 36-year-old, according to The Athletic.

Gueye is out of contract this summer, and any deal agreed to keep him at Hill Dickinson will most likely see his role at Everton change for the first time on Merseyside.

Idrissa Gueye could be set for bench, will he accept deal?

For as long as Gueye has been at Everton, the Senegalese international has been a first-team starter.

The veteran midfielder has always been one of the first names down on the teamsheet over the years, but age has finally started to creep up on him.

Moyes and Co. clearly think the same, as the Toffees look keen to land Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney as their first piece of transfer business this summer.

Given Everton's plan, they have to be open and honest in discussions with Gueye, as the midfielder will now know his chances of starting would be limited with the possible arrival of Hackney or anybody else.

However, whether Gueye would accept contract terms for him to take a backseat and fill the bench each week would be his decision.

Where would Gueye go if he leaves?

The truth is that Everton should be pressing to keep Gueye, his leadership qualities will be needed over what will be another long campaign that starts up in August.

But at his age, he may want to play as much as possible, and it would be no surprise to see any lower-end Premier League clubs come in for the experienced star.

However, it would also be no shock if there were multiple clubs in Saudi Arabia monitoring his future, as he may want one final payday before retiring.

Either way, it may not be straightforward for the Blues to keep Gueye this summer, even if they do offer him a new contract.