Former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn believes current Toffees players will follow suit if star Tim Cahill signs a long-term deal with the club.

The Australia international is close to finalising a four-year deal to remain at Goodison Park and Martyn thinks it would urge other Everton players to sign on.

"I was delighted to read that Tim Cahill is ready to sign a new four-year deal," Martyn wrote in his column for the Liverpool Echo.

"Cahill clearly loves the club and is happy in the area. He's been a fantastic signing for us but at 30 he still has a few years left in his legs.

"It's really positive that such a key player is committing himself to the club.

"The fact that Cahill is staying might be the deciding factor in convincing a few others to stay put."