Everton to sign Tom Cleverley on 5-year contract

Goodison Park is Tom Cleverley's future home.

Everton have agreed to sign the 25-year-old midfielder on a free transfer once his contract with Manchester United expires on July 1, a deal that will mark the first signing of the summer by manager Roberto Martinez and that will see Cleverley put pen to paper on a five-year contract.

"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," Martinez said. "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 the best years just ahead of him."

Cleverley spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Aston Villa, notching three goals through 31 appearances and emerging as a key figure in the club's resurgence under manager Tim Sherwood, whose rebuilding plans have likely been beset by Everton's announcement.

Despite coming under criticism for being unable to register a single assist through the past two seasons, Cleverley thrived under Martinez at Wigan Athletic in 2010-11, suggesting that he could return to top form next season, particularly if Everton play a high-tempo game that suits his style of play.

In related news, Cleverley was called up to England's national team on Friday as a replacement for the injured Ryan Mason.

England will visit the Republic of Ireland in a friendly at Aviva Stadium on June 7 before travelling to Slovenia for a Euro 2016 qualifier on June 14.