Done deal: Everton agree terms on four-year contract after paperwork finalised

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

02 Aug 2016, 11:06 am

By Alex Stevens

Everton have completed the signing of Idrissa Gueye from Aston Villa, it was announced on Tuesday afternoon.

The midfielder has signed a four-year contract with the Merseysiders after they triggered the £7.1million release clause in his Villa contract.

Everton announced the arrival of the 26-year-old on their official Twitter account.

CONFIRMED: Everton sign Idrissa Gueye from @AVFCOfficial on a four-year deal. #WelcomeIdrissa pic.twitter.com/3EyaYGquIg
— Everton (@Everton) August 2, 2016

Gueye has become the first major signing of new manager Ronald Koeman after he signed goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg on a free transfer from Fulham.

ESPN FC claimed on Monday night that the anchorman was set to seal his switch to Everton within 24 hours after undergoing a medical.

The Toffees had triggered the player's £7.1 million release clause last week after identifying him as a solution to their central midfield problems.

West Ham were linked on Monday with a late bid to prise Gueye from Villa Park, and Marseille have also reportedly been keen on landing him, but the Senegal international has decided to move to Merseyside.

Only former Leicester midfielder N’Golo Kante completed more interceptions than Gueye last season and Koeman targeted him as he builds his squad for the forthcoming Premier League season.

Gueye who is affectionately known as 'Gana' by supporters, made a £9million switch from Lille last summer and made 35 appearances for Villa.

In other Everton transfer news, Toffees star Romelu Lukaku has made his mind up regarding his future amid reports of a £68million bid from Chelsea.

Everton FC

Idrissa Gueye