Martyn rewarded with fresh deal

Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn has today signed a one-year extension to his contract at Goodison Park.

The 38-year-old, who has proved to be shrewd signing by manager David Moyes, would have been out of contract at the end of the season.

Moyes has recently started negotiations with Alan Stubbs, David Weir, Leon Osman and Kevin Kilbane, but Martyn is the first to sign a new deal.

The former England keeper has been outstanding for Moyes since joining at the start of last season for £400,000 from Leeds.

The veteran has been out of action since picking up a calf injury at Charlton last month, and Richard Wright has deputised since.

Martyn is still several weeks away from recovery, but Moyes has been determined to keep the player at Goodison.

It could be Moyes’ final signing at the club before the current transfer window closes, having insisted this week he will not be adding further to his squad.

Moyes has also distanced himself from claims Athletic Bilbao winger Joseba Etxeberria was on his way to the club.

Moyes said: “He was one of several players we were interested in, but nothing more has come of that one.”

Everton are also expecting to hear in the next 24 hours that the Fortress Sports Fund has been given Government approval in Brunei to start operating.

Chris Samuelson, the Swiss-based financier brokering the deal, has been waiting for official approval so various investors from around the world can deposit their money.

When that happens Everton will call an EGM for shareholders to give their approval to the deal, then the first £12.8million will be deposited in the club’s accounts.

The deal has been delayed several times by red tape, after Samuelson initially promised the money would be with Everton before Christmas.

But now chief executive Keith Wyness is awaiting the final agreement to be confirmed from Brunei.