Everton are confident of securing youngster Jack Rodwell to a new contract.

The Times says Everton are creeping closer to tying Rodwell to a lucrative new deal as they try to secure the player's immediate future.

Talks with Rodwell's representatives have been continuing for about a month, but while there are several key issues to be ironed out, Everton are eager to ensure the situation does not drag on over the summer and are hopeful of reaching an agreement before the start of the World Cup finals in South Africa in June.

Rodwell can expect to receive a substantial increase on the £20,000 a week he earns at present, with any new deal likely to catapult him closer to the club's highest earners, including Yakubu Ayegbeni, the striker, and Tim Cahill, the midfield player, both of whom are on about £50,000 a week. More discussions are planned in the next few weeks.