Why Everton could be priced out of Idrissa Gana Gueye contract talks as Saudi league 'big guns' circle

Everton may have a hard time convincing Idrissa Gana Gueye to stay on their terms.

The Toffees are set for talks with the midfielder, who is now officially a free agent after his deal expired at the end of June.

David Moyes has already signed a new midfielder in Hayden Hackney, as the Blues have also reportedly agreed a deal with Villarreal star Pape Gueye.

That said, Gueye may have a lesser role at the club next season, and that may not be something that he wants.

The 36-year-old has been on Merseyside for the past four seasons since returning to the club, and is appreciated by many at Hill Dickinson.

However, Gueye may be at that stage of his career where he fancies one last big paycheck, and Everton will almost certainly not match what clubs in Saudi Arabia have to offer.

Trio of Saudi Pro League clubs circle Idrissa Gana Gueye

Goodison News have previously reported that Gueye is set for contract talks with Everton after his deal expired, and could yet stay with the Blues.

The midfielder has been away with Senegal for the World Cup, as his nation was knocked out of the tournament by Belgium in the Round of 32.

He's now set for a return to Merseyside, where he will come to a conclusion over his future with the Toffees one way or another.

According to Africa Foot, Gueye is on the radar of three Saudi Pro League "big guns".

Neom SC are reportedly leading the chase, while Al Shabab and Al Ettifaq are both interested in the veteran Premier League player.

It certainly throws a spanner in the works for Everton, who have yet to rule out keeping Gueye at the club.

Everton exit makes sense from Gueye's POV; here's why

Given his age and expected backseat at the club next season, if Gueye were to be offered a big salary in Saudi Arabia, it's hard to see why he would want to stay at Everton.

The signing of Hackney and potential arrival of Villarreal's Gueye only add to the midfield competition. Not to mention Merlin Rohl's £18million was confirmed earlier this window.

It's clear that the Toffees are building to improve in the middle of the park, and Gueye is part of the problem that was there last season.

Had the Blues qualified for a European tournament, there may have been an incentive for Gueye to stay, but that hasn't happened.

Presumably, he would be on big money in the Middle East, which makes it a no-brainer at his age to go and get one final payday before retirement.