Barry set to break Giggs' PL record after Everton contract extension

Former England international Gareth Barry has extended his deal with Everton until 2018, thus looking all set to break Ryan Giggs' Premier League appearances record.

Barry, capped 53 times, has 609 Premier League games under his belt, only 23 shy of Welsh legend Giggs' mark.

"Let's hope (Barry) will smash every record. He's a quiet person but a strong character. He is 35 but he is still so important for the team," Everton manager Ronald Koeman was quoted as saying by Sport24.

Meanwhile, defenders Leighton Baines and Mason Holgate have all signed new contracts with Everton.

Baines, 32 and capped 30 times, has extended his present contract to 2019.

"The majority of my career I've spent here at Everton and it's something that I hope will continue even beyond these next few years," said Baines. "I hope I'm always affiliated with Everton."

Holgate, who made his senior debut this term, has also put on paper to extend his present deal to 2021.

"Mason is one of the big talents at the club," Koeman said. "Of course, he started playing this season and did a great job. He's the future for the club and other young players like him.