Source: Team_Talk
Baines urges key Toffees pair to stay
Everton defender Leighton Baines has urged star midfielders Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta to commit their futures to the club.[LNB] Pienaar and Arteta have both been subject of considerable speculation this summer linking them with moves elsewhere.[LNB]Arteta has been in negotiations over a new deal for some time but is yet to sign while Pienaar is now entering the final year of his contract.[LNB]Manager David Moyes has made the re-signing of key squad members his top priority since the end of last season and a number, including Baines, have committed.[LNB]Baines, who signed a new five-year deal, now wants the key pair to follow his example and that of Tim Cahill, Jack Rodwell and Seamus Coleman.[LNB]The 25-year-old said: "They will definitely know we all want them to stay.[LNB]"They are among our better players and a key part of what we are looking to do.[LNB]"We want to keep our better players to give us the best chance of success.[LNB]"Hopefully they will stick with us. I don't know what their thoughts are - they are personal matters - but we are all hoping, like the fans, they stay with us."[LNB]Baines is looking forward to the new Premier League campaign after the disappointment of missing out on a trip to the World Cup.[LNB]The former Wigan player was a member of England's provisional 30-man squad for the tournament in South Africa but failed to make the final cut.[LNB]Everton begin their campaign with a trip to Blackburn on August 14.[LNB]Baines, speaking at a promotion for club sponsors Chang beer, said: "Hopefully there'll be positives to come out of a negative and I'll feel fresher come the start of the season.[LNB]"The summer is always nice and enjoyable. You relax and spend some time with the family - I think everyone enjoys it.[LNB]"I put my feet up and fully relaxed during those four weeks but, now it is coming to an end, I think everyone is ready to come back.[LNB]"I've had a nice few weeks' break but I was more than happy to come back and get training again."
