Hands off our Ross! Everton tie Barkley down to a new deal to fend off interest
Posted Wednesday, July 30, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk
EVERTON have issued a hands-off warning to Premier League rivals after tying Ross Barkley to a new four-year contract.
TIEING THE KNOTT: Barkley seals new Everton deal
The England midfielder has been handed a bumper £65,000-a-week deal after being targeted by the likes of Liverpool and both Manchester clubs.
And Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists he wants to keep hold of the 20-year-old for a long, long time and build an entire team around him.
"When you talk about assembling squads and getting ready for the new seasons, for us it is as big news as you can get," the Spaniard said.
"Ross is still a young man and there is a long way to go in his development but as it stands he is a massive part of our squad.
"It is a big moment as every Evertonian will tell you Ross is the sort of player everyone would love to pay to watch play."
Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United were rumoured to be planning a £30m-raid for Barkley this summer after he broke his way into England's squad that went to Brazil.
But Martinez believes they would be wasting their time to make a move in the future after backing the youngster to become a superstar at Goodison.
And he has promised Everton fans they still haven't seen the best of the local lad.
"He brings back memories of the big legends we've had at the club," Martinez said.
"But saying that he is a young man and his best years are yet to come."
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