Everton boss David Moyes confirmed Friday that German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger will be staying with the club until the end of the season.
Hitzlsperger, having been without a club since leaving Wolfsburg last summer, signed a short-term contract with the Toffees in October that saw him through to this month.
The 30-year-old former Aston Villa and West Ham player has made seven appearances for the Merseyside outfit so far.
"We have decided to keep him on. Thomas is going to stay until the end of the season," Moyes said. "He has played a few games for us now, and he has been around the block a few times. He knows exactly what is required."
Moyes also responded to speculation about Toffees midfielder Marouane Fellaini by reiterating he is not looking to sell players in the current transfer window.
Fellaini, a stand-out performer for the Merseyside outfit this season, has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park, with reports suggesting there is a 22-million-pound ($35.5 million) buyout clause in the 25-year-old Belgium international's contract which several major clubs could be looking to trigger.
"The plan is to keep all of our players," Moyes said. "I wouldn't be talking about anyone's contracts if I can help it, and I won't do it now."
Regarding potential incoming personnel, Moyes added: "We are trying - we will look around and see what we will get."
Earlier Friday, Everton announced that 19-year-old midfielder Ross Barkley has joined Leeds for an initial one-month loan.
It is a move Moyes feels is important for the youngster's continued development, and one he stressed has been made viable for the Toffees by the retention of Hitzlsperger.
"Thomas wants to play, like everybody else," Moyes said. "We've needed him and we will continue to need him with the games we have got in the second half of the season. I was thinking about letting Ross go out on loan and Thomas' experience allowed me to do that. I just felt that keeping him was important."
Barkley has already had a spell on loan with another Championship side, Sheffield Wednesday, this season.
Information from Press Association was used in this report.
