Rumour: Everton to offer Arsenal target Seamus Coleman another new contract

Seamus Coleman is closed down by Wayne Routledge of Swansea City during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Swansea City

Everton are to reward their star defender Seamus Coleman another new contract with a pay rise to ward off any interested sides this summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

Coleman has been absolutely superb this season and one of Everton’s star players. He has attracted interest from a whole host of clubs and even been linked with Liverpool at one stage of the season.

The full-back is happy to stay on Merseyside, but Arsenal would more than double his current £30,000-a-week salary as their own Bacary Sagna looks set to leave.

David Moyes was keen on landing Coleman for Manchester United but his exit this week has put that on hold.

As the Toffees try to secure Coleman’s future they are also ready to hijack Newcastle United’s move for Sunderland’s out-of-contract midfielder Jack Colback.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez knows he has to increase the size of his squad with ­qualification for European football almost secured, ­despite yesterday’s defeat to Southampton, which Coleman scored an own goal in.

And Colback, available on a free, could fill the gap if Blues midfielder Gareth Barry moves on this summer.

Barry is only on loan from Manchester City and after a decent season, is being courted by a number of clubs, with Arsenal leading the race to capture him on a permanent basis.