Lescott Signs New Everton Contract

The Everton defender Joleon Lescott has agreed a new contract that will keep him at Goodison Park until summer 2012, the club have announced.

The 25-year-old joined the Toffees from Wolves for £5m in summer 2006 and has since become recognized as one of the most assured defenders in the Premier League. The Birmingham-born player was called up to the England national team following a successful first season at Everton and made his debut against Estonia in October 2007 - the first of his four caps to date. Lescott, who can play in both central defence and at left-back, was named in new manager Fabio Capello's first England squad.

"This is really terrific news for everyone connected with the club," Everton's manager, David Moyes, said.

"This continues our policy of securing - on long-term deals - those players who not only represent Everton's present but also its future. Since joining us, Joleon has more than proved his worth, and the fact he is not only happy at Goodison Park but also willing to commit his future to Everton shows that we are most definitely moving in the right direction."

Chairman Bill Kenwright added: "We have worked really hard over the past 12 months or so to secure the futures of our brightest and most gifted young players - men like Joleon, Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta, Andy Johnson, Leon Osman and Tony Hibbert. 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."

The Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has extended his current deal until the end of the 2009-10 season. The 37-year-old is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, helping the south coast club to a place in the last four of the FA Cup. He has extended his contract at Fratton Park for two seasons, with an option of a further extension in 2010.

"It's been a tremendous week and I'm delighted to get the opportunity to sign a new contract. I'm enjoying being at Pompey - it's a fantastic environment. I never envisaged the club being in this position when I joined," said James, who arrived from Manchester City in 2006.

James will be hoping to reach the third FA Cup final of his career when he lines up against West Brom for the semi-final, which will be played at Wembley at 12.15pm on Saturday, April 5, The Football Association have confirmed. The game will be shown live on the BBC, while Sky Sports will screen the second semi-final, between Barnsley and Cardiff, at 4pm the following day.