Besic and Oviedo in line for new Everton deals

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that Muhamed Besic and Bryan Oviedo are set to be rewarded with new contracts.

Oviedo, who can play at left-back or midfield, has been beset by injury problems over the past two seasons and his current deal with the Premier League side runs until the end of the campaign.

The Costa Rica international is entitled to a 12-month extension after playing a certain number of games as set out in his contract, but Martinez is keen to offer him a longer stay on Merseyside.

“Bryan triggered a clause where we had to take advantage of an option in his contract. So, obviously, we wanted to show our appreciation to Bryan, rather than just triggering the option to sign a new contract,” he said.

“Bryan has been through a lot of difficult periods with a big injury and the follow-up effects but now he is fully fit and he has always been a contagious character, coming in every day with a big smile and always having a little goal and a long-term ambition.

“For me, that sort of approach deserves a real reward and we are hoping that in the next few weeks we can announce something.”

Besic’s deal runs until the end of the 2018-19 season and he too recently triggered a year extension based on games played.

And Martinez says the club plans to offer the Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder improved terms.

“The two issues to look after imminently were Mo Besic – who triggered the 25-game clause that he had [sparking a 12-month extension] – and Bryan Oviedo,” he added.

“So we are hopeful that over the next few weeks we can announce news in respect to those players.”