Toffees in 'discussions' with Arteta

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes the club are on the brink of securing Mikel Arteta on a new long-term contract.

The midfielder, named the club's player of the year for the second year on the trot this week, has been the target of Atletico Madrid and Real Zaragoza in his homeland. And although he has two years left on his current contract, Wyness has confirmed that talks about an extension are at an advanced stage.

Wyness said: "We have been in discussions already, in fact we are in constant discussions with Mikel. I know Mikel well and I am sure we will get the right outcome, I have no doubt about that."

He added: "And us getting into European football certainly helps. Every player wants to play at the very top, and Mikel especially deserves to be on the European stage."

Arteta has continually said that he is happy at Everton and wants to stay, but he warned after winning the club's top award that Everton must make the right decisions this summer to move to a higher level.

Arteta said: "Now we have European football next season, we must continue to build.

"That is massive for the club and for me, we need to take this opportunity now to take the club forward.

"We need to make the right decisions in the summer. We must sign the right people and keep the ones we have got here already.

"Then we will see where it takes us. We must, though, make sure we keep improving. Really we haven't done anything yet."

Wyness also confirmed that the club are looking to add to the squad. He said: "We will make use of the transfer window, we know what we need to do."