Done deal: Everton sign Manchester United flop Tom Cleverley on five-year-contract

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Everton will sign current Manchester United player Tom Cleverley on a five year contract on July 1 after passing a medical on Friday, according to their official website.

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This will be a major blow to Aston Villa, who had been hoping to sign the midfielder after he had performed well at Villa Park under new manager Tim Sherwood. The 25-year-old played 37 times for the Midlands side last season, but didn’t start performing well until the former Tottenham boss was put in charge. A run of three goals in three games, including one against the Toffees, showed this in the latter stages of the campaign.

However, Royal Blues manager Roberto Martinez also helped the centre-mid to play at his best while he was at Wigan. During his time with the Latics, Cleverley managed four goals in 25 appearances in possibly the best season of his career.

The Goodison Park faithful will be hoping that it is this player who turns up on Merseyside, rather than the one who hasn’t managed a single assist in his last two Premier League campaigns. Especially with a five-year contract being offered, which seems a big risk to be taking on a player who hasn’t made much of an impact for several years.

Martinez said on the deal: “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.”

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