Roberto Martinez confident Barkley will sign new Everton deal

Roberto Martinez is eager to give Ross Barkley an improved contract during the summer, to reward the youngster's positive impact in the heart of Everton's midfield.

The Everton gaffer is optimistic about the team's chances of securing the 22-year-old long-term, indicating that Barkley - who has two years remaining on his current contract - is keen to extend his stay with his boyhood team and continue to play a prominent role with the Toffees.

"We will probably look at it in the summer," Martinez told reporters ahead of Eveton's match against Stoke City. "As I've said before, Ross is not a young man any more. He's a player you can build a project on.

"When you want to build a project it is about a player who wants to play for Everton and wants to take that role. It is one thing as a manager wanting to do something, if the player doesn't feel the same way then you cannot do it."

Despite Everton's struggles thus far, Barkley has been instrumental up the middle of the pitch, tallying eight goals and seven assists while appearing in all 25 Premier League matches.

Martinez went on to say that the team's current focus is on improving its position in the table, and finishing the season strong following a disappointing first half. Everton, currently sitting in 11th place, stumbled out of the block and accumulated just 32 points through 24 games.