Everton are confident that Ross Barkley will commit his formative years to the clubBarkley, 17, has only three Premier League starts to his name, with two more in the Carling Cup, but Everton will offer him a new long-term contract on improved terms to ward off interest from their rivals.
The midfielder has already been linked to Chelsea and both Manchester clubs, but Everton insiders have told ESPNsoccernet that they expect Barkley to sign a new contract in the near future.
The source said: "The boy is not for sale, and there is absolutely no chance we would consider selling him in January. There has been speculation that we would sell for £20 million, but we wouldn't sell for £30 million. It's not on the agenda.
"Wayne Rooney signed a new contract with us at the same age, and I am sure that Ross will sign his first major professional contact with us. He only signed a contract two years ago, but we shall be sitting down with him to sort out a new contract at the appropriate time.
"We've heard all the rumours of Chelsea, Manchester City and United, but he's only played a few games and, while he is an outstanding young player, it's all about agents trying to tout him around. Our view is that, just like Wayne Rooney at a similar age, he will definitely stay at Everton."
The Everton youngster signed the first professional contract of his career three days after his 17th birthday last December, on a two-and-a-half year deal - the maximum period he could sign for at the time. At 18, there are no such limitations. He will turn 18 on December 5.
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