By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

23rd May, 2023 | 9:46am

Sources: Abdoulaye Doucoure agrees Everton extension, new Sean Dyche details revealed

Everton have triggered a 12-month extension clause in Abdoulaye Doucoure’s contract, sources have told Football Insider.

The 30-year-old’s deal, signed when he arrived from Watford in a £20m transfer in 2020, was set to expire at the end of this season.

However, the Toffees have opted to make use of a club option to extend, ensuring Doucoure is tied down until the summer of 2024.

The Mali international has earned an extension after establishing himself as a key man following Sean Dyche’s appointment in February.

He had previously fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard and would have been made available for transfer in the January window had any concrete interest arrived.

However, Doucoure has started every one of Dyche’s games in charge barring the three-match suspension he served for a red card Tottenham.

And Football Insider understands that the decision to keep hold of the midfielder was left entirely to the manager by director of football Kevin Thelwell.

The Blues will now hope that Doucoure can continue to play an integral role in the Premier League next season after relegation is avoided on what is sure to be a nail-biting final day of the season.

However, should results go against them, the opportunity to recoup some money for the former Watford man will also be available.

Doucoure recently praised Dyche for bringing him back into the fold, saying: “Now, I feel good, and I like helping the team.

“I’ve always been the same player. Under the previous manager, it was the first time that I hadn’t played as much.

“Sean Dyche came in, and he saw the strengths and qualities that I’ve always had, and I feel very happy working under him. It’s great to help the team.”

In other news, Everton have been hit by a crushing transfer blow.