Everton announce Tom Cleverley capture on free transfer

Everton (14/1 with Coral for a Premier League top four finish in 2015/16) have announced the signing of Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley on a free transfer, with the England international penning a five-year deal to tie him to Merseyside until 2020.

The 25-year-old’s current Red Devils contract expires at the end of June and, despite spending the season on loan with FA Cup finalists Aston Villa, Cleverley has chosen to reunite with the former coach Roberto Martinez, who is looking to replenish his Toffees roster following a troubled term.

Man Utd academy product Cleverley spent one season under Martinez’s tutelage at Wigan Athletic in 2010/11, where he excelled under the Catalan tactician, contributing four goals and two assists to the Latics’ cause.

When the 13-capped Three Lions star arrives at Goodison Park he will link up with fellow United old boys Darren Gibson and Tim Howard, with the Toffees (20/1 to win the 2015/16 FA Cup) having a long history of snapping up out-of-favour Red Devils.

With this announcement, Cleverley follows in the footsteps of international teammate James Milner, who recently joined Liverpool from Manchester City, also on a free transfer.

CONFIRMED: Everton to sign Tom Cleverley on a five-year deal from 1 July. More here: http://t.co/Sjw5SG0Nbb #EFC

— Everton (@Everton) June 5, 2015