Everton complete Naismith deal

Everton have completed the signing of Scotland international Steven Naismith on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old was available on a free after rejecting the transfer of his contract from Rangers to the newco formed by Charles Green.

As reported by Sky Sports on Tuesday, West Ham United, Stoke City and Wigan Athletic were all understood to have made contact with Naismith, but the lure of linking up with former Rangers team-mates Nikica Jelavic and David Weir appears to have swayed his decision.

The former Kilmarnock forward has not played since October after suffering damaged cruciate knee ligaments.

He underwent extensive medicals at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground before penning a four-year deal with David Moyes’ men to become their first summer signing.

“‘It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton’s wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world’s best league: the Barclays Premier League, in front of such a passionate group of fans,” Naismith told the club’s official website.

“I look forward greatly to working with the manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the chairman Mr Kenwright’s, faith and belief in me.”

Manager David Moyes added: “We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us. He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season.

“He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us.”