Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC close to new deals for Jack Rodwell and Leighton Baines
Jack Rodwell and Leighton Baines 300[LNB]EVERTON stars Jack Rodwell and Leighton Baines are close to agreeing lucrative new deals to keep them at Goodison Park.[LNB]Highly-rated Rodwell has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but manager David Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright are confident talks with the player's agent have gone well and the 19-year-old wants to sign a new five-year contract.[LNB]The Everton chairman is determined to finalise extended spells on Merseyside for Rodwell, and England international Baines, even though both have more than a year left on their current deals.[LNB]Kenwright wants to ensure his manager does not have to worry about losing key members of his current side this summer, as he plans an assault on the top four next season.[LNB]The Everton boss will have to wait until after the World Cup to learn whether Steven Pienaar will sign a new deal, with talks so far failing to persuade the South African to put pen to paper.[LNB]So Moyes aims to have the rest of his squad settled and tied down to long term deals before the tournament.[LNB]Tim Cahill has already agreed in principle to end his career at Everton, with a new four-year deal, and talks have been held with the representatives of Mikel Arteta even though he is under contract to 2012.
