Everton Football Club

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42440

New deal for Nuno Valente

14 May 2008 - 18:13:34

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Everton defender Nuno Valente has agreed a new 12-month contract with the club that will extend the Portuguese star's stay at Goodison Park in to a fourth season.

The 33-year-old has made 58 first-team appearances during his three years with the Toffees, although injuries have restricted him to only 14 starts this season.

Meanwhile, former Wigan Athletic defender Leighton Baines has been forced to undergo surgery in an attempt to rectify a long-standing ankle problem.

The left-back has managed to make only 18 starts for David Moyes' side this season following his £6million move from Wigan last summer.

Baines had a groin injury when he signed for Everton, but then tore his hamstring against Fulham last December as well as struggling with the ankle problem.

He underwent the operation on Monday but the club believe he will be fit enough to take part in pre-season training in July.

Baines said of his injury problems: "I've never really had an injury like this.

"I've only ever really missed the odd game over the last two years, so it was frustrating to pick it up when I did."