Everton trio sign new contracts

Everton have announced that Leighton Baines, Gareth Barry and Mason Holgate have all signed new deals at Goodison Park.

The Toffees have moved to tie experienced pair Baines and Barry down to contracts until the summers of 2019 and 2018 respectively, while 20-year-old Holgate has been given a new four-and-a-half year deal with the Merseyside club.

Manager Ronald Koeman told the club's official website: "With Leighton, his attitude is always perfect. He likes to work hard, he likes to learn, he is a technical player with a good view of the game and I'm really happy to have him in the team this season and also for the longer term.

"Like Leighton, Gareth Barry is a clever player on the pitch. Only Ryan Giggs has played more games in the Premier League and let's hope he will smash every record. He's a quiet person but a strong character. He knows what he can and can't do. He is a key player for the team. Of course, sometimes you need to protect older players, with all due respect. Gareth is 35 but he is still so important for the team and I'm very happy he has extended his contract.

"Mason is one of the big talents at the club. Of course, he started playing this season and did a great job. He can play out of different positions in the team defensively. He was really comfortable when he got his chance in the team. He showed strengths with the football and strengths in defending. He's the future for the Club and other young players like him."

Baines and Barry have been regular starters in the Premier League under Koeman this season, while Holgate has been given three starts in the top flight after making his debut on the opening day of the campaign.