Leighton Baines has committed his future to Everton ahead of the 222nd Merseyside derby at Anfield, after signing a new four-year contract.
Baines, the England left-back, had been a top target for Manchester United in the summer but two bids by former manager David Moyes were rejected.
The new contract comes as a significant boost to Everton as they continue their battle for Champions League football against their fiercest rivals Liverpool. Manger Roberto Martinez was able to reveal the good news on the eve of the derby.
"I can give you good news, Leighton Baines has signed a new contract. It is for the next four years," he said.
"To be able to secure Leighton's best years at Everton means a lot, especially in this January (transfer) window where we are talking about having a strong squad going into the second half of the season.
"We are all excited that Leighton will be able to have a long-term future with the club and we are all looking forward to the second half of the season having his experience.
"It is such a specialised position it is a great boost internally but I know fans will be delighted because Leighton is more than a footballer at the club.
Baines' penalties
Soccer - FA Barclays Premiership - Manchester United v Wigan Athletic - Old Trafford(01 of11)
Open Image ModalWigan's Leighton Baines scores from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premiership match at Old Trafford, Manchester. (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Everton v Wigan Athletic - Goodison Park(02 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines scores his sides second goal of the game from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Everton v Aston Villa - Goodison Park(03 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines scores from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Everton v Blackburn Rovers - Goodison Park(04 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines scores his side's second goal of the game from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Wigan Athletic v Everton - DW Stadium(05 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines (centre) celebrates scoring their first goal of the game from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Everton v Aston Villa - Goodison Park(06 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines (left) celebrates with team mate Diniyar Bilyaletdinov after scoring his side's second goal of the game from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Goodison Park(07 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines scores his side's second goal of the game from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Sunderland v Everton - Stadium of Light(08 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines celebrates scoring from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Wigan Athletic v Everton - DW Stadium(09 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines scores his side's second goal from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Everton v West Bromwich Albion - Goodison Park(10 of11)
Open Image ModalEverton's Leighton Baines scores their second goal of the game from the penalty spot (credit:PA)
Stoke City v Everton - Premier League(11 of11)
Open Image ModalSTOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Leighton Baines of Everton celebrates scoring the equaliser from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Everton at Britannia Stadium on January 01, 2014 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
"You look how important he is with the daily standards, the influence he has with the younger players.
"I am just looking what Leighton can do in the next four years in the dressing room and it is going to be as good as it gets."
Martinez said the fact they had managed to stave off interest from United and persuade Baines to sign a new deal spoke volumes.
"It represents a strong intent of trying to progress and get stronger and Leighton will bring that on the football pitch," he added.
"He has been performing as one the best left-backs in European football and the best is yet to come.
"To have Leighton with the focus and tranquility to be at Everton for the long term is an incredible boost."