Andrew Johnson has signed a new five-year contract with Everton, the club have announced.

The striker has put pen to paper on a deal which replaces the five-year contract he signed when he arrived from Crystal Palace for £8.6million in the summer of 2006.

It means the England international has now committed his future to the Toffees until 2012.

The deal ends speculation about Johnson's future after several months of claims that he was unhappy in the north and wanted to return to his London roots.

Johnson has always publicly denied that has been an issue, but it did not stop him being linked with other clubs.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has acted swiftly, aware of the player's valuation now he is back in the England squad.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted. It is fantastic news for Evertonians. This deal further underlines our commitment to keep our best players at our club.

"We continue to build for the future and Andrew Johnson is very much part of that future."

Johnson, who is closing in on a return to full fitness after undergoing an ankle operation last month, has netted 13 goals for Everton since his arrival on Merseyside.