Valente stays with Toffees

New deal for defender, Baines goes under the knife

Last updated: 14th May 2008

Joe Cole Nuno Valente

Valente: Staying at Goodison Park

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Everton defender Nuno Valente has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at Goodison Park.

The club activated a clause in the contract of Valente to keep him on Merseyside for a further 12 months.

The full-back saw his season blighted by injury, with the Portuguese international making just 14 starts because of a series of problems.

The 33-year-old left-back joined Everton from Porto in 2005 and has made 50

start for the Toffees.

Surgery

Meanwhile, fellow left-back Leighton Baines has undergone surgery to correct a long-standing ankle problem.

Baines endured a difficult debut season at Goodison Park following his move from Wigan last summer.

The 23-year-old has struggled with groin and hamstring injuries as well as the ankle problem and is hoping to be fully fit for pre-season training.

"I have never really had an injury like that," Baines told the Liverpool Echo.

"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.

"It's been a difficult season, different from anything I have ever experienced. You just have to make sure you use it to your advantage. It's been challenging mentally.

"Hopefully, with a summer to rest and recuperate, the ankle will heal completely in time for the new season and I'll be able to start afresh."