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Sylvain Distin will be rewarded for his remarkable form this season with a new Everton contract.

The Toffees' French centre-half will celebrate his 36th birthday next week, but boss Roberto Martinez is so impressed with his consistency, he will open talks before the turn of the year over a new deal.

Distin signed a one-year extension at the start of the campaign, but has shown no signs of slowing down despite reaching the veteran stage, and Martinez wants to extend for another year.

Speaking after Everton had posted their serious intent to secure a top four place with a win at champions Manchester United and an away draw with leaders Arsenal in the space of four days, Distin admitted he would love to sign on again.

“Maybe last season I was a bit tense about a new deal, but right now I feel completely relaxed and I want to stay,” he explained.

“It seems like the club wants me to stay so I am sure we will find a solution. And if it’s not here then I will find something else - but I am happy where I am, and that is the most important thing.”