PHIL JAGIELKA and Sylvain Distin could end their careers at Everton.

England defender Jagielka, 30,  signed a new deal yesterday which  runs to 2017,  while  defensive  partner Distin, 35,  is expected to be  offered a new  deal shortly.

And former Everton defender  and ESPN analyst Martin Keown  believes the pair are integral  to  Everton’s bid for Champions  League football next season.

The pair have partnered each  other in central defence on 11 occasions this season, and  Keown  said: “In Phil Jagielka and Sylvain  Distin, Everton have two defenders  who really  complement  each other.

“One of the things which really  stands out when you watch Jagielka  is the number of blocks   he gets in.

“He does extremely well inside  his own penalty box, while Distin’s  strength comes working the   channels where he can  use his power and  strength.

“To keep playing  as well as he does at  his age is commendable. And they  are just as valuable  to Everton as the  likes of Marouane Fellaini.”

Jagielka’s existing deal was due to  run until the end of the 2014/15  campaign.

The England international’s  extension now takes him until beyond  his 34th birthday.

Blues Chief Executive Robert Elstone said: “We are delighted Phil has agreed to commit his  long-term future here at Goodison Park.

“Phil is a hugely important and influential player and I, like many Evertonians, look forward to  seeing him play in a Blue shirt for many years to come.”

After signing from Sheffield United for £4m in the summer of 2007, Jagielka was used initially  in central midfield and at full-back.

But after returning to his favoured central defensive role he flourished and won a call up to the  England squad in June 2008.

He has since won 16 caps and scored his first international goal last year against Italy – and  has captained the Blues in the absence of club skipper Phil Neville.