Lescott 'delighted' with new Everton deal

Lescott has been outstanding this season, helping Everton up to fourth in the league (GETTY IMAGES)

The Everton defender, Joleon Lescott, has agreed a new deal which will keep him at Goodison Park until the summer of 2012.

The 25-year-old joined Everton from Wolves in the summer of 2006 and is acknowledged as one of the most assured young defenders in the Premier League. He was called up to the England B squad following a successful first campaign at Goodison Park before being promoted to the full squad and made his debut against Estonia in October 2007 – the first of his four caps to date.

The Birmingham-born player, who can play in both central defence and at left-back, was also named in new manager Fabio Capello's first England squad.

Manager David Moyes said: "This is really terrific news for everyone connected with the club. Since joining us Joleon has more than proved his worth and the fact he is willing to commit his future to Everton shows that we are most definitely moving in the right direction."

Chairman Bill Kenwright was as delighted as Moyes. He said: "Joleon is absolutely delighted to have agreed this new deal. I am delighted for him and also for our supporters who have really taken him to their hearts since his arrival from Wolves."