"Dream" new deal delights Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley has insisted that he "didn't take any persuading" when it came to signing a new contract with Everton.

The 20-year-old was thought to have been the subject of interest from both Manchester clubs as well as Chelsea this summer, but he ended all the speculation this afternoon by agreeing to a new four-year deal at Goodison Park.

When asked about the reasoning behind his willingness to commit to the club, Barkley told reporters: "It means everything. It's a dream playing for Everton. Today signing a new contract is a great thing for me.

"As soon as I got told about it I just knew I would sign a contract. I didn't take any persuading. I'm settled in at Everton [and] we have to push on now from here."

Barkley, who is a boyhood fan of the Toffees, has made over 50 appearances for the club.