Football
Mike Whalley 10y

John Stones extends Everton deal

Everton defender John Stones has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

- McCarthy dismisses exit rumours

The 20-year-old, who already had a deal running until the summer of 2018, has agreed improved terms after impressing manager Roberto Martinez with his displays last season.

Stones said: "I am over the moon. It's just been such a great last season and to get pen to paper on a new deal is a dream come true. 

"The last 12 months have been so enjoyable thanks to the faith that the manager has shown in me and all the players. What we achieved was unbelievable. It was a very memorable season and hopefully there's more to come."

Martinez added: "It is an important signing for the club and a really good reward for a young footballer with a fantastic future. He had an excellent season in 2013-14 and it's really good news all round.

"It is very important that we continue to let our youngsters continue to develop into bigger roles."

The news comes nine days after Stones' fellow England international Ross Barkley signed a new four-year contract with Everton.

Stones, signed by previous boss David Moyes from Barnsley for three million pounds in January 2013, broke into the Everton side last August.

He made 21 Premier League appearances under Martinez as the Toffees finished fifth and qualified for the Europa League.

Stones went on to win his first England caps by playing in two World Cup warm-up friendlies against Peru and Ecuador at the end of the season.

He missed out on Roy Hodgson's final 23-man squad for Brazil, but was placed on standby. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham were all linked with a summer move for the defender -- who can play at right-back or centre-back -- but Everton never had any intention of selling.

In addition to Stones and Barkley, Everton defender Seamus Coleman and Martinez have each also agreed new contracts this summer, with both men committing themselves to the club until 2019 when they signed their deals in June.

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