 Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill have committed themselves to Everton |
Everton duo Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill have agreed new five-year contracts. Arteta, 25, was Everton's outstanding performer last season and had been linked with a return to Spain.
Australian international Cahill was a reported target for West Ham, but the midfield pair have now tied themselves to Goodison Park until 2012.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: "Negotiations have now been satisfactorily concluded and I know the two lads are as happy as we are."
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Kenwright added: "David Moyes and myself were keen to get these important extensions wrapped up before the new season opens. We did it in the Everton way - quietly, efficiently and away from the glare of the spotlight."
The formalities of the deal will be completed when Everton's players return for pre-season training on Monday.
Everton boss David Moyes was elated at the deals, particularly for the influential Arteta, who was in magnificent form last season to help seal a Uefa Cup spot.
He said: ?We are delighted with how he has done. He has played really well.
"We like his skills and ability but he has grown into the team ethic that we have here and I think that has been the reason he has done so well. He has Spanish technique and a British mentality.?
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