Everton set to tie down Cahill before World Cup

Everton are hoping to tie Tim Cahill to a new long-term contract before the midfielder gets a chance to boost his value by starring for Australia at the World Cup.

Cahill has two years left on his current deal but manager David Moyes wants an extension agreed with the 30-year-old as soon as possible and chief executive Robert Elstone confirmed talks were close to a conclusion.

“We are at an advanced stage of negotiation with Tim and his representatives,” Elstone said. “We would be hopeful of concluding an extension to Tim’s current deal 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 appearances for the Toffees since moving from Millwall in 2004 and has established himself as one of the most feared attacking midfielders in the Premier League.

Everton are also seeking to agree new deals for South African midfielder Steven Pienaar and England under-21 midfielder Jack Rodwell, both of whom are expected to attract bids from wealthier clubs over the close season.