Monday, 27th January, 2014
Everton have confirmed a new four-year deal for left-back Leighton Baines, as the England man prepares to boost their top four chances in Tuesday's Merseyside derby.
Baines' future at Everton had always been under a small cloud given David Moyes' desires to bring him to Manchester United.
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Moyes failed in the move last summer, while Baines has once again turned down any notion of a winter switch by pledging himself to manager Roberto Martinez.
The 29-year-old's previous deal was set to run out in 2015, and Martinez, who had hinted at "good will from all sides" last week today told a press conference: "It's a phenomenal boost for us that Leighton Baines has signed a new contract.
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"It's a long term contract so it's for the next four years. As you can imagine, to be able to secure Leighton Baines' best years of his career at Everton means a lot.
"Not many players can play 38 games in the league two out of the last three seasons. I'm just looking at what Leighton can do in the next four years.
"He's going to be as good as he can get. For me, he's been performing as one of the best left-backs in European football.
"The best is still to come so, from every angle, it's an incredible boost."
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