SYLVAIN DISTIN is hoping for a new two-year deal as Everton FC aim to avoid losing the defender for nothing at the end of the season.

Goodison officials are currently in amicable talks over a fresh contract for the 33-year-old, whose present agreement expires in the summer.

Everton have offered a one-year extension, but Distin, who signed from Portsmouth for £5.3million in August 2009, is seeking a deal twice that length and is awaiting the club’s next move.

While discussions are ongoing, the Goodison outfit are aware the Frenchman, who appeared for Everton in every game last season, would be free to speak to foreign clubs in the New Year.

David Moyes will no doubt be keen for Distin to further his Everton commitment with the player in sparkling form this season alongside Phil Jagielka at the heart of defence.

Distin, meanwhile, believes compatriot Louis Saha still has a part to play for Everton this season.

The 33-year-old forward has struggled for fitness this season, his cause for first-team involvement not helped by comments on Twitter and his decision to leave Goodison having been omitted from the squad in the recent home win over Wigan Athletic.

Saha made his latest comeback as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City at the weekend, and will be hopeful of an appearance in Saturday’s home derby against Liverpool. And Distin said: “He’s a game-changer for us and we see that every time he’s on the pitch.