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Coleman poised for new contract at Everton

Seamus Coleman has been in fine form for Everton this season © PA Photos

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Everton right-back Seamus Coleman is set to be rewarded for his impressive progress with an improved contract at the end of the season, manager Roberto Martinez says.

The Republic of Ireland international, 25, already has a deal running through to June 2017, which he signed just over 12 months ago.

But Coleman, whose goal in last Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup third-round win over QPR was his fifth in nine games, is likely to extend that.

Martinez told the Daily Mail: "I'm sure at the end of the season we will look at his contract.

"His role in the team is growing. He is getting more important. He is happy at Everton and has a long-term contract but I always said that players that do well and perform, it is my intention to sit down in the summer and reassess.

"That could be bad for everyone with big contracts as well! He deserves a reward. He has been terrific.

"He has created at least two good opportunities in every game and has been getting better in taking those chances and is getting better.

"He is getting stronger in the build-up play, in the positional play, and growing as a player. He is a young man but the sky is the limit."

Martinez is pushing ahead with a bid to sign Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady, 27, on a pre-contract agreement ahead of a free transfer in the summer.

Former Celtic winger McGeady's deal in Moscow runs out in June, and Everton's manager is keen to bring him in.

Martinez said: "We are very close to a deal with Aiden for the summer, that is true. You know I like him as a player.

"But as things stand now I don't think we will be able to do anything for January because there are too many difficulties. Many things can happen in the window, but right now it would be difficult."

Martinez has also admitted his interest in Tom Ince, although Swansea are currently in talks to sign the Blackpool midfielder.

If the 21-year-old does not move to South Wales, Martinez will look at the possibility of a deal in the summer.

Ince - an England Under-21 international - would be cheaper at the end of the season, when his Blackpool contract expires, although UK transfer rules dictate Everton would still have to pay a fee to sign him then as he is under 24.

Martinez said: "I like Tom. As a young, English talent he's a phenomenal footballer.

"But it would be unfair of me to talk about him because he's got a very important second half of the season with Blackpool and it would be unfair to bring speculation to him.

"A young, English footballer of that calibre would interest a lot of teams, but it's not for me to mention."

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