Toffees seal Jagielka signing
Jagielka will provide versatility on Everton's roster
Wednesday, 04, Jul 2007 10:17
Everton have signed Phil Jagielka from Sheffield United on a five-year, £4 million deal.
Jagielka was reported to have a release clause in his contract should the Blades be relegated.
After seeing their appeal against the Premier League denied by an arbitration tribunal yesterday it seems as if the Blades felt they had to let him leave.
Everton manager David Moyes was delighted to have captured the versatile defender who has also played in a defensive midfield role for his former club.
Moyes said: "We have been trying to get Phil in for most of the summer.
"We are delighted to have got him in the end. He will bring competition for places and versatility. He is a good addition to our squad and we hope to add one or two more before the start of the season."
Jagielka said he is looking forward to playing in front of the Toffees supporters, adding that it was Moyes' persistence that signalled to him that Everton were the right team to join.
He said: "I am definitely looking forward to running out at Goodison.
"The manager was keen to sign me and that is always a nice sign. He has done fantastically well here and it is a fantastic club."
Bolton and Wigan had also been linked with the defender but the 24-year-old said that European football was a big factor in him choosing the Toffees.
After impressing during England's B international against Albania at the end of last season, Jagielka will hope his move to Goodison Park will provide him with further opportunities in the national side.