Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini pens long-term contract

Fellaini's only goal this season came in the Carling Cup win over West Brom

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has signed a new five-year deal to keep him at Goodison Park until the summer of 2016.

Fellaini, 23, has become a key player for manager David Moyes since his £15m transfer from Standard Liege in 2008.

The Belgium international has scored 16 goals in 107 games for Everton.

He told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I signed a new contract because the club has ambition and they want to sign two or three players."

He added: "That's important for Everton, as when I started playing at the beginning of the season the fans weren't happy because of the club not signing new players.

"But I think with time, Everton will start buying new players and have a good team for the future.

"I'm happy to sign here because I've played for three years at Everton and I'm happy with my team-mates, the manager, the staff and the direction from the chairman."

Chief executive Robert Elstone told the club's website: "We are delighted to have secured the services of Marouane for the long term.

"Marouane has been a hugely influential player for Everton since his arrival."

Fellaini - who has been used as a striker at times by Moyes - was part of the side who lost the 2009 FA Cup final to Chelsea.

Elstone added: "As everyone is aware these negotiations have been ongoing for some time but both parties remained positive that we would reach agreement."