Friday 16 December 2016 13:15, UK
Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry and Mason Holgate have signed new contracts with Everton.
Boss Ronald Koeman was keen to get Barry and Baines, two of his 'leaders on the dressing room and the pitch', signed up and secure the future of one of the club's best defensive prospects.
Barry, who has played more than 600 Premier League games, has signed an extension to the end of next season, while Baines' new deal runs out in 2019 and Holgate is committed to Everton until the summer of 2021.
Koeman said: "Gareth Barry is a clever player on the pitch. Only Ryan Giggs has played more games in the Premier League and let's hope he will smash every record.
"He's a quiet person but a strong character. He knows what he can and can't do.
"He is a key player for the team. Of course, sometimes you need to protect older players, with all due respect. Gareth is 35 but he is still so important for the team and I'm very happy he has extended his contract."
Barry added: "The new manager has come in and given me a new lease of life. It's someone else to try and impress and new tactics to take on board. It's really helped my game and I'm looking forward to taking that on and enjoying this season, which is hopefully a successful one."
Baines, 32, is in his 10th season at Goodison Park and just passed the 350 appearance mark for the club, with Koeman adding: "With Leighton, his attitude is always perfect.
"He likes to work hard, he likes to learn, he is a technical player with a good view of the game and I'm really happy to have him in the team this season and also for the longer term."
Baines said: "The majority of my career I've spent here at Everton and it's something that I hope will continue even beyond these next few years. I hope I'm always affiliated with Everton. It's a huge honour for me to play for the club for as long as I have and I'm very proud to have been here for as long as I have been.
"I'm very lucky as well. You work hard, you look after yourself and you always try to do the right things and the reward for me has been to spend such a long time at such a great club."
Holgate, who was signed from Barnsley in the summer of 2015, made his top division debut against Tottenham on the opening day of this season and has played six first-team games this season.
Koeman added: "Mason is one of the big talents at the club. Of course, he started playing this season and did a great job.
"He can play out of different positions in the team defensively. He was really comfortable when he got his chance in the team. He showed strengths with the football and strengths in defending. He's the future for the club and other young players like him."
Holgate said: "It's been a bit of a whirlwind this season, to be honest. I wasn't expecting it but I'm really enjoying it and hopefully there are many more experiences to come.
"My confidence has grown as I've spent more time with the first team. I feel settled now and a proper part of the group."
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