Official: Everton Captain Phil Jagielka signs new contract

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Liverpool, August 4: After welcoming seven new players to the club, Everton fans must be enjoying a happy transfer window and their happiness may have just prolonged as their long time club captain Phil Jagielka agreed to sign a one-year extension, keeping him at the club until 2019.

The defender was linked with a move away from the club last January, however, manager Ronald Koeman has now shown faith in the veteran centre back and tied him down to a new contract.

"I came back for pre-season and tried to get my fitness levels as high as possible, ready to compete for a place," Jagielka told the club's official website.

"It is always nice to have the potential of an extra year with the club - and it did not take too long for me to decide to sign.

"I was delighted to do so and I am looking forward to the journey over the next two years.

"It has been a fantastic time here but, hopefully, we will create some more special memories in the next two years and I can look back on my time at Everton with a smile on my face."

Since joining from Sheffield United in 2007, Jagielka has accounted for almost 350 appearances in the Merseyside club and has been a pillar on the backline.

Although in the last season his performance dropped significantly, the 34-year-old has been a strong influence to the Blues team and made a huge impact coming off the bench in many matches.

Everton have been very dynamic in the summer's transfer window and have already made seven new signings.

However, according to reports, they are still in search for another defender after Funes Mori's long term injury. Lazio's Wesley Hoedt and West Ham United's Winston Reid are both lined up as potential choices.