BLUES TRIGGER NUNO CONTRACT EXTENSION

Less than 24 hours after news that Everton have secured the long-term future of Tim Howard, David Moyes has confirmed that the Club has taken up the option of a third season for Nuno Valente.

The Portuguese international signed a two year deal with a third as an option when he arrived from Porto in August 2005.

The Blues have chosen to trigger that option, ensuring Valente will remain with the Club until the summer of 2008.

David Moyes told evertonfc.com: "We have taken up Nuno Valente's option for a further year."

The 32-year-old full-back has made 43 appearances for the Toffees since his move to England.

Although he has yet to net for Everton, he has proved himself to be a fine attacking full-back, with the quality of his deliveries from the left-flank adding to the Club's firepower.

Valente has earned 27 caps for Portugal and was an integral member of the side that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Germany last summer.