Everton have announced a new deal for Irish international James McCarthy.
The Premier League club have attempted to ward off interest from the likes of Tottenham and Man City by signing the 24-year-old midfielder to a new five-year deal.
McCarthy will now become one of the club's highest-paid players after he agreed a deal that will see him remain at Goodison Park up until 2020.
"I’m buzzing and delighted to be committing my future long-term to Everton. I’ve loved every minute I’ve been here, with the fans having made me feel so welcome from day one, as well as the players and staff," he told the club website.
“This is a brilliant club with a brilliant fanbase and what we want to try to do is bring some success here and push forward.
"The gaffer is trying to build a team and a squad for the long-term and I’m excited to be a part of that and to be a part of this team."
The links to City came before they had tied up a deal for ex-Aston Villa captain and midfielder Fabian Delph.
McCarthy has been at Everton since 2013, after moving from Wigan Athletic to link up with manager Roberto Martinez.
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