Rising star Ross Barkley wins new contract at Everton

ROSS BARKLEY will be offered a new deal at Everton.

ON THE UP: Ross Barkley has grabbed attention of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City [ STUART ROBINSON]

The 20-year-old attacking mid-fielder still has more than two years left on his contract.
But manager Roberto Martinez wants to tie the England hopeful to an improved long-term deal ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Barkley has already grabbed the attention of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, and that interest will only increase if he goes to Brazil with Roy Hodgson's men.
Reflected
Martinez said: "We will always want to reward young players when they do well in the first team. I think Ross deserves it.

"Ross is on a long-term contract with us, so it is not the situation that he is at the end of his contract.
"But he has an important role in the first team now, so that is going to be reflected. It is something that is in my thoughts." Barkley has flourished under Martinez this season. And his performance in the 1-1 draw at leaders Arsenal on Sunday confirmed his status as one of the brightest talents in the Premier League.

PRAISE: Manager Roberto Martinez says that Ross is becoming better and better on a weekly basis [STUART ROBINSON]

But Martinez is anxious to ensure the youngster does not burn out amid all the hype.
So far he has not spotted a weakness in his make-up, saying: "He is becoming a better player on a weekly basis.

"He is a good listener, he never gets fazed by any situation and is a pleasure to work with. He loves the game and enjoys performing.

“He is a good listener, he never gets fazed by any situation and is a pleasure to work with. He loves the game and enjoys performing”

Roberto Martinez

"The scale of the game doesn't affect him. He is emotionally level-headed. Physically he is really capable. It is important to measure him weekly to see that he doesn't burn himself out.
"But I have been very impressed with how he has coped with it all. I wouldn't like to see a player on the pitch who is not fully fit and Ross is no different."

Martinez will also sit down for contract talks with defender Sylvain Distin in the New Year.
The 35-year-old Frenchman signed a new contract in January but that only covers him until the end of this season.
Martinez said: "He has been a terrific performer.
"We have been delighted with his role at the club."