Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has signed a four-year contract extension with the Toffees, despite great interest for him from England's top clubs. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder scored six Premier League goals last season and was part of the England squad at the World Cup in Brazil. Everton boss Roberto Martinez said: "It is a four-year deal which reflects his new role and his development. This is as big news as we could get. He is still a young man but is a massive part of our squad."
Barkley made his debut for Everton at the start of the 2011-12 season and had was loaned out at Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United before becoming a first-team regular at Goodison Park last season. He made his England debut against Moldova in September 2013 and also made three appearances at the World Cup.
Barkley said: "Signing a new contract is a dream. I've played for Everton most of my life. This is a big thing for me." Chairman Bill Kenwright was equally pleased: "Everton and Ross have always been the perfect fit - Roberto has made it even more special. This was an important agreement and, I have to say, was conducted in a way that showed clearly the devotion to Everton of everyone involved."
Everton have signed midfielders Gareth Barry and Muhamed Besic this summer and they are 7/1 at Bet365 to clinch a top-four Premier League finish next season.
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