Ross Barkley has put pen to paper on a four year contract extension at Everton, a deal which will see him stay at Goodison Park until the summer of 2018.
The 20-year-old played a key role last season in a youthful Toffees squad, appearing 34 times in the league and scoring on six occasions.
His performances at Everton have not gone unnoticed as Barkley, one of the highest rated youths in the Premier League, was chosen to represent Roy Hodgson's England squad at the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
The midfielder told the official Everton website: "Signing a new contract is a dream. I've played for Everton for most of my life. This is a big thing for me."
"It didn't take any persuading. As soon as I got told about it I wanted to sign" said Barkley.
"Everton and Ross have always been the perfect fit - Roberto [Martinez] has made it even more special", said club chairman, Bill Kenright, "this was an important agreement and, I have to say, was conducted in a way that showed clearly the devotion to Everton Football Club of everyone involved".
