Barkley signs Everton deal

Everton have confirmed teenage midfielder Ross Barkley has signed a new long-term contract to stay at Goodison Park until 2016.

Kenwright pleased to secure teenage midfielder's long-term future

Everton have confirmed teenage midfielder Ross Barkley has signed a new long-term contract to stay at Goodison Park until 2016. Barkley has made the breakthrough into David Moyes' first-team plans this season and made his debut against Queens Park Rangers in the club's opening game of the campaign. He has featured seven times in total for the Toffees, although he has only made two substitute appearances since September. The 18-year-old revealed earlier this week that he was happy to put his trust in Moyes regarding his future after acknowledging a sense of frustration at not playing more often. The Toffees have now secured his future and chairman Bill Kenwright is delighted to have tied up Barkley on a four-and-a-half year deal. Kenwright told the club's official website: "We are pleased but obviously not at all surprised that Ross has agreed his first long-term contract with the club. "Ross has recently talked of his commitment to Everton and his growth under the very special guidance of David Moyes, his staff and indeed our senior players. "That combination of expertise can only be of benefit to any young footballer."