Seamus Coleman Signs 5-Year Contract Extension with Everton

Seamus Coleman isn't going anywhere.     

Rumors of interest from around the Premier League have circulated since the finish of the 2013-14 campaign, but Everton announced Thursday that they have come to a five-year contract extension with the 25-year-old Irishman:

Coleman has been with the Toffees since 2009, but he is fresh off the best campaign of his career. Helping Everton to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League (their best since 2008-09), the talented right-back tallied six goals and two assists. 

He averaged 2.0 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per contest, while limiting crosses better than any other player in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.com:

When he was really able to show off his talent, however, was when he made runs down that right flank and provided width for the Toffees. His 45 key passes and 64 completed dribbles were both third most on the team, proving quite important for the club's attack. 

Moments like these especially highlighted his tantalizing skill level: 

All things considered, Coleman established himself as one of the best right-backs in England and unsurprisingly garnered attraction from some of the biggest clubs as a result. According to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, Arsenal and Manchester United were among the most serious suitors.   

Although there will continue to be whispers and rumors if he plays like he did last year, this development, at least for now, should put a definitive end to those discussions.

Meanwhile, with all distractions removed, and a new contract to live up to, Coleman can concentrate on a continued improvement as he helps the Merseyside club return to the Champions League.