Report: Duo set for new contracts

A number of media outlets, including goal.com, are claiming that both Ross Barkley and James McCarthy are set to be offered new contracts.

Both players enjoyed excellent seasons, with McCarthy quickly putting to bed any lingering doubts about his £13million transfer fee while Barkley now has a World Cup to enjoy as a reward for his breakthrough season.

The Goal report claims that Barkley's wage will double from £20,000 to £40,000 a week both as a reward for his fine form and a deterrent to any clubs looking to sign the England midfielder.

All the noises coming from Goodison suggest that Barkley is not going anywhere for the time being, meaning the club will not suffer like Southampton, who are currently having their entire squad ripped apart.

McCarthy is also set to sign a new long-term deal that will increase his wages according to the Daily Star, with the bizzare link to Manchester United quickly snuffed out earlier this summer.

Getting both players tied down to long-term deals will be a nice early start to the summer. Keeping the already small squad together is imperative with at least five or six new faces needed on top to have enough players to cope with domestic and European football next season.

Negotiations are also reportedly continuing with free agent Gareth Barry, though with a number of offers on the table the midfielder is by no means guaranteed to be at Goodison next season.