Ross Barkley signs four-year extension with Everton

English midfielder Ross Barkley has signed a four-year contract extension to remain with Everton through at least the end of the 2017-2018 season. The 20-year-old, who was a member of England's 2014 World Cup team, had a breakthrough season with Everton last season.

English midfielder Ross Barkley has signed a four-year contract extension to remain with Everton through at least the end of the 2017-2018 season, the team announced Tuesday. 

The 20-year-old, who was a member of England's 2014 World Cup team, had a breakthrough season with Everton last season, scoring six goals in 25 Premier League games and helping Everton finish fifth in the league.

From BBC Sport:

"It is a four-year deal which reflects his new role and his development. This is as big news as we could get," Everton manager Roberto Martinez​ said. "He is still a young man but is a massive part of our squad."

At a press conference Tuesday, Barkley called signing the new contract "a dream," and said it didn't take any persuading.

In June, Everton signed Martinez to a five-year extension.

The Toffees begin their 2014/2015 Premier League campaign on Aug. 16 against newly-promoted Leicester City. 

More: Transfer tracker: The major moves across Europe

- Molly Geary