EVERTON will open talks in the New Year aimed at extending Louis Saha’s Goodison career.

Saha is enjoying his best start to a Premier League campaign with his goal against West Ham United on Sunday a seventh top-flight strike of the season.

The French forward signed a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months when arriving from Manchester United for around £2million in September 2008.

And Goodison officials are ready to start negotiations over triggering that additional clause and stave off potential interest from other clubs, with Saha conceivably able to talk to foreign clubs from January.

It is likely the 31-year-old will be offered improved terms in recognition of his efforts since moving to Goodison.

Saha played through the pain barrier of a persistent calf injury at West Ham before being forced off shortly after half-time.

And of his substitution, Saha said: “It is just about being sensible after my calf strain.

“I tried my best in the game but I started to cramp in the second half so it is better to be cautious.”

Saha, who expects to be fit for Everton’s next game at Manchester United on Saturday week, was impressed by the performance of an under-strength Goodison outfit at the weekend, and said: “The lads are all brilliant, everyone fought for the result.

“There have been a few setbacks recently so for us to react and show we can perform as a team was important. It is vital now we keep these results going.”

Dan Gosling netted the winner in the 2-1 triumph on Sunday and a memorable week continued when he was handed a first-ever call-up to the England under-21 squad.

The 19-year-old has been added by Stuart Pearce to the party for Saturday’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Portugal at Wembley.