Everton have ended any uncertainty over the futures of
Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta by agreeing new five-year contracts
with the key pair.
Both had been the subject of speculation linking them with West Ham
earlier in the summer, as was striker Andrew Johnson.
At the time, manager David Moyes insisted that "West Ham couldn't
afford our players, any of them".
And now Everton have tied Cahill and Arteta to long-term deals
until 2012.
Both players had three years remaining on their existing deals but
the Toffees were keen to further extend their contracts to reward
the duo for the success they have achieved at Goodison in recent
seasons.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is delighted to have concluded the
negotiations.
"David Moyes and myself were keen to get these important extensions
wrapped up before the new season opens," Kenwright told the club's
website.
"We did it in the Everton way - quietly, efficiently and away from
the glare of the spotlight.
"Negotiations have been ongoing for several weeks and have now been
satisfactorily concluded and I know the two lads are as happy as we
are."