Jack Rodwell has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, however, after signing a new 5 year deal with Everton it looks as though Sir Alex Ferguson will be made to wait if he wants to sign the Southport born teenager.

Rodwell has obviously been told he won’t get much playing time at United so is keen to keep developing at Everton, although the player concedes it’s an honour to be linked with us.

“It is a brilliant day for me,” said Rodwell. “I’ve been at this club a long time and to sign a new five-year deal is amazing. I went on a trial at Liverpool when I was six and they asked me to come back a year later but Everton came knocking and I haven’t looked back. I have been happy at this club ever since so when I got offered a five-year contract I was delighted to sign. It is flattering, obviously, because to be linked with clubs like United is an honour but I’m perfectly happy to be here and it is a great club.”

Rodwell then looked to the future, with getting lots of game time being the focus.

“I’ve always had the belief in myself, I’m not surprised [by my progression]. I’ve done well and although I wouldn’t want to put too much pressure on myself there is a lot more to come,” he continued. “I’m my own player and would like to build my own game naturally as it comes within the next few years as I’ve got my own style. The main thing now is for me to become a regular and things like goals and assists will be a bonus.”