Everton to sign Tom Cleverley

Tom Cleverley during his loan spell at
Aston Villa. (Image Source: BBC
Sport; Copyright: Getty Images)

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Everton Football Club

Everton have agreed a deal to sign Tom Cleverley when his contract expires at Manchester United on July 1.

The 25-year-old England midfield player will arrive on a five-year contract, becoming the first signing of the summer by manager Roberto Martinez.

Cleverley, a key figure in the team which won the Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season as manager at Old Trafford, made 38 Premier League appearances last season, 37 of which were on a season-long loan for Aston Villa.

Cleverley has been called up to the England squad for the upcoming friendly against the Republic of Ireland and the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia, having secured 13 caps since making his debut in England’s first match after Euro 2012 in a 2-1 win against Italy at the Stade de Suisse in Bern.

He went on to play a big part in England’s qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, featuring in seven of the 10 group H games.

Manager Martinez said: “We are extremely delighted to be welcoming Tom to Everton and I can think of many reasons as to why our fans will enjoy Tom representing our football club.

“The most important one is that he is a perfect fit for what we are trying to build here as he has so much experience of playing in the Premier League and he still has his best years just ahead of him.

“At the age of 25 and a player who is representing his country, Tom has experienced winning trophies and having big roles in demanding teams. Having worked with him previously, I know the type of character he is and I know that, with the Everton fans’ support, we will get a very special footballer joining our already exciting team.

“It says a lot also, when someone like Tom is available on a free transfer and he can pick his next club out of many options home and abroad, that he has chosen to play for our football club. That’s the perfect start to his career here at Everton.”