• It reaffirms Everton’s ambition, says David Moyes
• 19-year-old shuns reported interest from Manchester United

Everton’s Jack Rodwell has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

The 19-year-old had been linked with a £15m move to Manchester United but has committed himself to Goodison Park, having been persuaded by the manager, David Moyes, and the chairman, Bill Kenwright, that his prospects would be better on Merseyside.

Only last week Moyes warned his players that leaving Everton is not always the route to success. “Some of the players who have left might say it was the right place for them after all,” said the Scot. “At the end of their careers, they might look back and say Everton was the best time – they enjoy it here.

“Even Thomas Gravesen, who went to Real Madrid, would say the same thing. There are lots of players who are going to look back at Everton and say they had a really good time, without winning anything obviously.

“I’m very pleased that Jack has signed an improved contract because it reaffirms Everton’s ambition to challenge the top clubs. I want to keep all the players we have here to make us stronger in the coming season.”

Rodwell made his Everton debut as a substitute against AZ Alkmaar at the age of 16 years and 284 days in December 2007, to become the youngest Blues player to play in Europe, although his record was subsequently beaten by Jake Bidwell against BATE Borisov in last season’s Europa League.

His Premier League debut came in March 2008, when he made a substitute appearance at Sunderland and since then he has developed into a first-team regular. Rodwell only signed a five-year contract in February2009 but due to his progress, Everton have rewarded him.

The teenager said he had never taken any notice of speculation about his future and had always been committed to Everton. “I’m perfectly happy at the club and I’m very happy to be signing a new deal,” he said. “I have enjoyed every minute of being at this club and I try not to look at speculation that much, I just try to play my best on the pitch.”

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• Everton midfielder is happy to stay at Goodison Park
• Reports claim Arsenal will turn to Arteta if Fabregas is sold

Mikel Arteta is happy to stay at Everton despite being linked with a move to Arsenal to replace compatriot Cesc Fabregas, his agent has insisted.

Reports have claimed that Arsene Wenger has identified Arteta as the man to replace Fabregas if he completes his reported move to Barcelona. Manchester United have also monitored the 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his contract at Goodison Park.

But agent Inaki Ibanez told the Press Association: “Newspapers always say many things. He has a wife and child and is happy in the city.”

The speculation may increase Everton’s determination to tie the player to a new deal. Manager David Moyes has made the re-signing of key players one of his top priorities for the summer and yesterday completed a new four-year deal with Tim Cahill.

Negotiations are also ongoing with player of the year Steven Pienaar and young player of the year Jack Rodwell.

Arteta, who returned to action in January after almost a year out with a knee injury, joined Everton from Real Sociedad in 2005 after a successful loan spell. He previously played for Rangers.

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