Rumour: Manchester United target Ross Barkley to sign long term contract extension with Everton

England and Everton player Ross Barkley

Highly rated Ross Barkley is set to snub Manchester United and other potential suitors by pledging his long term future to Everton and Roberto Martinez before the start of the summer transfer window.

The 20-year old is set to be rewarded for his magnificent and blistering form this season, which has caught the attention of several big wigs, including England manager Roy Hodgson, who could include Barkley in his World Cup squad to Brazil.

The talented attacking midfielder currently has two years left on his contract at Goodison Park, however, the new deal could tie him down at Merseyside till 2018. The rising star is expected to double his £15,000 a week wages in the new contract.

The Toffees will hope the Englishman follows the lead of Leighton Baines, who recently ended all speculation by signing a contract extension earlier this year.

This comes as a blow to the Red Devils, who were hoping to scalp Barkley in the summer after missing out on him in the January transfer window.