Everton sign Morgan Schneiderlin for £24m

Everton have announced the £24m signing of Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin.

The France international has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal until the end of June 2021, with the Toffees paying United an initial fee of £20m.

Schneiderlin says he is relishing the prospect of being reunited with Ronald Koeman, under whom he worked at Southampton prior to his departure to Old Trafford 18 months ago.

The 27-year-old said: “Everton is a big club in the history of English football. I’ve always loved the atmosphere in the stadium. I’ve always liked playing here. I can’t wait to play and to represent this great club.

“There is a manager in place here that I know, and I know he can get the best out of me. I know his style and how he likes to play football. He was very good with me from the start and I enjoyed playing under him.

“He was very good for me and, obviously. At Southampton he gave me some great advice to keep improving every day and it was a pleasure to work with him.”

It was reported earlier this month that Schneiderlin was sought by West Brom but the Baggie had a £19m bid rejected.

Schneiderlin preferred a move to Everton to link up again with Koeman and the clubs agreed a fee earlier this week.

Manager Koeman believes the quality and hunger of Schneiderlin are exactly what he and Everton need, after a slump in form has seen them win only four Premier League games since September.

He said: “I’m very pleased because I know the qualities of the player, I know him as a person and he’s really desperate to come to Everton – and that’s what we need.

“We want good players but we also want players who really want to show their qualities in front of the fans.

“He’s a strong character, can play in different positions in the midfield, and is also a fast, clever player, and a personality.”