Chelsea's Gary Cahill signs new four-year deal

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

The England international has been in negotiations with the Premier League champions over a new deal in recent months with his current contract due to expire at the end of next season.

Cahill will turn 30 on December 19 and Chelsea reportedly have a policy of only handing 12-month contracts to players once they reach their 30th birthday.

However, the centre-back has put pen to paper with just over a fortnight to spare and he is now committed to the Stamford Bridge club until 2019.

I have achieved a lot here and I hope I can keep on learning, helping the team and lifting trophies over the next four years.

Cahill told his club's official website: "I'm really pleased to commit my future to Chelsea and it's great the club has put their faith in me.

"I have achieved a lot here and I hope I can keep on learning, helping the team and lifting trophies over the next four years."

Cahill, who started his career with Aston Villa, joined Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers for £7m in January 2012 and has since made 177 appearances for the club and scored 15 goals.

He has won the full set of major honours with the Blues - Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup - and was named in the PFA's Premier League team of the year for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons.

Cahill is England's vice-captain and has won 40 international caps, including October's European Qualifier at home to Estonia when he led the side out for the first time.