Rodwell shuns United to ink five-year Everton deal
ENGLAND Under-21 star Jack Rodwell insists he is delighted to have snubbed interest from Manchester United in favour of signing a new deal at Everton.
Rodwell, 19, has penned a five-year contract with the Toffees, little more than a year after agreeing his first major deal with the club. And while he admits being linked with United boosted his confidence, the Southport-born midfielder had no interest in following Wayne Rooney from Goodison Park to Old Trafford.
“I’ve been with Everton since I was seven,” said Rodwell. “To play for them is an honour, to get this contract is even better. To be linked with clubs like United is an honour but I’m perfectly happy to be here and it is a great club.”
Rodwell’s team-mate Steven Pienaar, who has one year left on his current deal, looks likely to leave Everton after contract talks stalled.