LOUIS SAHA has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a new deal at Everton.

The French striker has negotiated a two-year contract that will extend his Goodison commitment until 2012.

With his current deal ending at the end of the season, Saha was able to talk with foreign clubs from last month.

The 31-year-old had courted significant interest from both home and abroad, with Turkish club Besiktas and Premier League rivals Arsenal among a host of potential suitors.

Discussions between the player’s representatives and Goodison officials had been ongoing for some time, and a lack of resolution increased the fear Saha could walk away for nothing in the summer.

But any problems have now been ironed out, with David Moyes undoubtedly delighted speculation surrounding the striker’s future has now ended.

Saha has proven a major success since arriving from Manchester United in August 2008.

He netted eight times last season, including his record-breaking FA Cup final opener against Chelsea in May, and is Everton’s leading goalscorer this campaign with 13 goals.

Saha, however, is a slight doubt for tomorrow’s Merseyside derby at Anfield after being substituted through injury during the closing moments of last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic.

And the Frenchman faces a renewed threat for a starting role from Yakubu, who along with Joseph Yobo is back training at Finch Farm following their African Cup of Nations exploits.

Both were on international duty throughout January and helped Nigeria to the semi-finals of the tournament, although neither featured in the 1-0 win over Algeria in Saturday’s third-place play-off.

Yobo limped out of a group game against Mozambique after aggravating a hamstring problem and did not play any further part for his country in the competition.

Yakubu’s last Everton appearance came in the 2-0 win over Burnley on December 28 and he is expected to come straight into contention for the short trip to Anfield.

Yobo, though, has not been available for Moyes since suffering his initial injury against Tottenham Hotspur almost two months ago.