Rodwell to snub Man United to stay at Goodison

Jack Rodwell is close to agreeing a new contract that will end Manchester United plans to snatch him this summer.

The brilliant young Everton midfielder is the subject of some serious interest from Old Trafford, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson perfectly prepared to bid in excess of £20million for him.

But Goodison chairman Bill Kenwright and boss David Moyes have been working feverishly behind the scenes to tie up their brightest young star on a new, vastly improved contract to ward off outside interest.

And MirrorFootball understands that a deal is almost done to extend Rodwell's stay at Goodison for another five years, on a contract that will swiftly rise to £40,000 a week.

The 19-year-old is one of the hottest properties in the Premier League, not least because the fact that he is English makes him valuable under new home-based player rules in the Champions League.

He is regarded as a potential superstar by Moyes, and he and his chairman have fought long and hard to ensure that he isn't tempted away just yet.

Rodwell, for his part, is an extremely grounded young footballer who realises that his best chance of development is to stay at Everton and get plenty of first team action in a side that can challenge for a top four place next season.

Ferguson is a long time admirer of the midfielder who is tipped to be the successor to Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the England midfield, and he has sounded out the Merseyside club on several occasions.

But Everton are determined to keep all their best players, and Kenwright has also been involved in contract talks with at least six other first team stars, as he looks to keep the basis of a strong squad for next season.

Tim Cahill has agreed a new deal that will keep him at Goodison for the rest of his career, and Leighton Baines is also close to agreeing a new, improved contract, after emerging as a genuine England contender.

He was named in Fabio Capello's provisional World Cup squad yesterday, and there is a will within the Blues hierarchy to ensure that status is recognised.

Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert are likely to be given new deals at some point this summer, while youngsters Dan Gosling and Seamus Coleman will also be rewarded.

Talks are also continuing with the two players that Moyes see as central to his plans and Everton's immediate future, Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar, but negotiations are currently at an impasse over money.

The manager is desperate to keep the pair, but Pienaar has just a year left on his contract and is in a strong position, while Arteta has emerged as one of the most admired - and pursued - midfielders in the Premier League.

Finances are always a problem at a financially prudent club like Everton, and they will not break their wage structure, but the manager is still hopeful he can do a deal with both.

Moyes will also push his chairman for the funds to bring in at least two major signings this summer, and in particular a top class striker to provide the goals that will help the push for a top four place.

He has agreed a deal in principle to bring Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford to the club, but wants an experienced goalscorer too, to give depth and strength to his squad.