Everton midfielder Ross Barkley poised for improved deal Earlier this season he revealed that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had become a mentor and given him advice while on international duty, warning him about the perils of leaving for a bigger club at such an early stage in his career. Everton are also determined to ensure that he remains at Goodison Park for a long period to avoid him following the likes of other academy graduates such as Wayne Rooney and Jack Rodwell who departed the club at a young age. Barkley's form has not gone unnoticed by England manager Roy Hodgson and he has made three appearances as a substitute this season, with a fourth expected in the friendly against Denmark in March. His form has led to his being tipped for a place in the squad that travels to Brazil next summer but Martínez attempted to calm the hysteria around his remarkable rise following his man-of-the-match display at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend. Martínez said: "What we need to do is make sure we give Ross another 50 starts to see his evolution. Any player needs to develop an understanding. In this country, we need to be more protective over our youngsters because, in Ross, we have someone who, if we look after him properly, can give us something unique. Barkley is not the only player at Goodison Park poised to discuss a new deal in the near future, with Leighton Baines and Sylvain Distin also to be offered improved terms. Baines was the subject of two bids from Manchester United in the summer but he has been promised a reward for his loyalty while Distin, whose Everton contract runs out in the summer, will be offered another 12-month extension.