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All smiles: Gareth Barry, pictured with Roberto Martinez, has signed a permanent three-year deal with Everton

Staying put: Barry holds aloft Everton's new shirt with Martinez atthe club's Finch Farm training ground

Barry had been considering a number of deals but has decided to remain on Merseyside and becomes the club's first signing of the summer.

Speaking to Evertontv, Barry said: 'I was really keen to get this sorted before the lads come back to training on Thursday. I'm delighted now that everything is signed and that I'm going to be spending the next few years at Everton.'

'When you are on loan, it is never the same as being a signed player. I was really settled last year - but now I am an official Everton player and it feels really good.

'From the moment I signed last year I settled in straight away. There is a fantastic history here and it was brilliant working with the manager.

'I have learned so much from him, it is a great set of players and the fans were fantastic last year - just everything about Everton feels right. The training ground, the facilities, the history - there is so much that is positive about the club.'

Right move: Barry revealed he is delighted to be spending the next few years at Everton

Done deal: Barry impressed during a season-long loan spell at Goodison Park last term