Everton left-back Leighton Baines has signed a new four-and-a-half year deal at Goodison Park ending all speculation about his future.
The 29-year-old has been continously linked with a move to Manchester United, but when David Moyes failed in the Summer, it was clear that The Toffees were never going to sell their star-asset.
The English left-back, who was also wanted by Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford, is delighted to have penned a new deal at Goodison Park, as his the manager Roberto Martinez.
“From every angle that you look at it, it is an incredible boost,” said Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
“He is one of the best left-backs in European football. He has the World Cup around the corner and I’m looking at what Leighton can do and it is huge.”
“His best is yet to come,” added Martinez of a player who has made more than 260 appearances for the club.
“To be able to secure Leighton’s best years at Everton means a lot, especially in this January window where we are talking about having a strong squad going into the second half of the season.
“That is an important moment for us. You are talking about January signings and bringing players into the club but no-one will be bigger than having Leighton Baines focusing on being as good as he can be for Everton in the best years of his career.”
