McArthur signs new deal at Crystal Palace

The 27-year-old Scotland international was Palace's record signing when he arrived from Wigan in a £7million (10million euros) deal last summer.

He impressed new manager Alan Pardew who was keen to keep him at Selhurst Park fending off interest from both Everton and Norwich.

"I'm delighted, I had a fantastic time last year and I think the club's going in a great direction," McArthur told cpfc.co.uk.

"Everyone's positive around the place and I'm really looking forward to the coming years.

"I think there was a bit of general interest [in me], but Palace is where I want to be, I'm happy and that's the main thing in football.

"When you're happy, you need to try to keep that and keep going with it. I think the club have got the potential to go places. It was an easy decision. There was nothing really to consider."

Pardew, who guided Palace to 10th in the Premier League last season, praised the impact of McArthur since his arrival at Selhurst Park.

"James is a very important player for this football club, he was key for me last season and he has impressed with every aspect of his play," Pardew said.

"I've been a fan of his for a long time and was impressed with his performances when he was playing for Wigan."