Everton will move forward towards their future campaigns having captain and defender Phil Jagielka who will be playing for the club until 2018 after inking a one-year extension.

Jagielka was the Blues' Player of the Season last season also getting the Goal of the Season award and has played in nearly 300 games for the club in almost a nine-year stint.

He joined Everton in 2007 from Sheffield United for £4 million and was named captain two years ago replacing Phil Neville who announced his departure from the club and retirement in 2013.

"It's always nice to feel wanted. Being rewarded with the extra year gives me that motivation to keep striving to get better and to keep going for as long as possible," the 26-year-old told evertontv.

"It wasn't the longest negotiations ever – it only took a couple of minutes rather than hours. I love it here, I want to stay here and thankfully enough the Club felt the same. The contract was drawn up and I popped back after a little holiday to sign it. Now I look forward to getting back for pre-season," Jagielka added.

Before inking the deal, Everton manager Roberto Martinez praised his captain saying that Jagielka is in "the best form of his career."

"It's great news that Phil is extending his relationship with the club. He has excelled as a leader and as a captain of our football club for the last two seasons," Martinez said regarding the signing. 

The 41-year-old manager added, "I am sure everyone connected with the club will join me in being absolutely delighted that he has signed this extension to his deal."

Once the pact ends in 2018, Jagielka would have completed 11 years for the Blues.

Along with Jagielka's signing, Everton already announced the signing of Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley via free transfer earlier this month with the 25-year-old joining the club on July 1 once his contract with Man Utd expires.