Everton defender Leighton Baines has signed a new four-year with the Barclays Premier League club. Manager Roberto Martinez revealed that the Kirkby-born full-back has committed himself to Everton at a press conference on Monday.
The Spaniard said "I can give you good news, Leighton Baines has signed a new contract. It is for the next four years. To be able to secure Leighton's best years at Everton means a lot, especially in this January (transfer) window where we are talking about having a strong squad going into the second half of the season. We are all excited that Leighton will be able to have a long-term future with the club and we are all looking forward to the second half of the season having his experience. It is such a specialised position it is a great boost internally but I know fans will be delighted because Leighton is more than a footballer at the club. You look how important he is with the daily standards, the influence he has with the younger players. I am just looking what Leighton can do in the next four years in the dressing room and it is going to be as good as it gets."
Manchester United manager David Moyes twice tried to sign Baines last summer and was believed to still be interested in bringing his former player to Old Trafford. Baines joined Everton from Wigan in 2007 in a deal worth £6million after rejecting a move to Sunderland. The defender had 18 months left on his contract at Goodison Park, and Martinez has moved to ensure one of his prized players will not depart during this transfer window by securing his long-term future at the club.
