Wednesday Mar 12 2008 08:35
Everton's England international defender Joleon Lescott has signed a contract extension to keep him at Goodison Park until the summer of 2012.
The versatile 25-year-old moved to Merseyside in the summer of 2006 from Wolves and has emerged as one of the top defenders in the Premier League.
Manager David Moyes told the club's official website: "This is really terrific news for everyone connected with the club.
"This continues our policy of securing, on long-term deals, those players who not only represent Everton's present but also its future.
"Since joining us Joleon has more than proved his worth and the fact he is not only happy at Goodison Park, but also willing to commit his future to Everton, shows that we are most definitely moving in the right direction."
Lescott, who is equally at home at either centre-half or left-back, has scored ten goals in 86 appearances for the Toffees, while he has also earned four England caps to date.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright added of the deal: "We have worked really hard over the past 12 months or so to secure the futures of our brightest and most gifted young players.
"Joleon is absolutely delighted to have agreed this new deal. I am delighted for him and also for our supporters, who have really taken him to their hearts since his arrival from Wolves."
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