Ross Barkley extends stay at Everton

Ross Barkley has signed a contract extension with Everton which will keep him at the club until 2018.

20-year-old Barkley was a first-team member in the Everton side under Roberto Martinez last season and made 34 Premier League appearances, scoring six goals.

The midfielder's form last season also earned him a place in the England squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

"Signing a new contract is a dream," Barkley told Everton's official website. "I've played for Everton 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."

Martinez said: "It's a massive signing for us. He's a player that reminds us of legends the club used to have. His signing is as big a signing as we could have had."

Everton are also reportedly close to signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on a permanent deal.