Everton Under-21s midfielder Luke Butterfield has signed a new three-year deal with the Club until the end of June 2025.

Yorkshire-born Butterfield joined the Blues at under-12 level and has consistently progressed his game throughout his time at the Academy.

A technical central midfielder with a strong work-ethic and varied passing range, Butterfield explained how Everton’s track record for developing young talent and providing a pathway to the First Team was central in his decision to commit his future to the Club.

The 19-year-old Scotland youth international told evertonfc.com: “It’s a great feeling to sign this deal.

“I’ve seen past players at Everton get to my position and then progress to where I want to be in the future.

“All the staff have been so helpful in my time here. The support has been excellent, both on and off the pitch. The Club helped me a lot in moving away from home early, providing digs for me to stay in and all my transport. I can’t be more grateful to them.

“Now, I just want to play as many games as possible for the Under-21s, then hopefully get in and around the First Team and maybe even get minutes.”

Butterfield’s immediate attention is on recovering from a knee injury which has sidelined him since Everton Under-21s’ second game of the Premier League 2 season.

That match – a 2-0 away win at Tottenham Hotspur – saw Butterfield’s growing stature in the side recognised when he was given the captain’s armband by boss Paul Tait.

“To get that responsibility off Taity felt like a great achievement for me,” he said. “Hopefully, I can bring leadership skills to the team and help us develop.

“I just can’t wait to get back fit to show what I can do. I’m about two weeks away [from playing].

“I’ve been trying to help off the pitch with the lads, making sure the spirits are high and I’m still integrated in the team.”

Butterfield says he is savouring the chance work with Tait again, having flourished under his leadership for the Blues’ Under-18s.

“I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to be the Under-21s manager,” he said.

“It’s magnificent. I’ve got a very good relationship with him, as do all the other players.

“His player management is great, and he’s helped me develop as a player a lot over the years.

“I just want to keep improving under him and help the team as much as I can.”

Everton Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, added: “Luke is a very talented young player and we are delighted he has signed this new contract.

“As well as having a lot of strong technical attributes, he has an excellent attitude and a real desire to learn.

“I’m confident Luke will continue to improve over the coming years and I’m looking forward to seeing him progress.”