Yannick Bolasie completes Everton switch on five-year deal

Everton have strengthened their squad with the signing of Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie on a five-year deal.

The 27-year-old has been closing in on a switch to Goodison Park over the past few days, despite being used as a second-half sub in the Eagles' defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Palace boss Alan Pardew admitted after the match that Bolasie's 'heart and soul were elsewhere', and now a deal has been struck between the two teams and personal terms agreed.

Bolasie, who will wear the number 14 shirt at Everton, claims that his decision to leave Selhurst Park after four years at the club was a "no-brainer" once the Toffees had shown an interest.

"I'm looking forward to putting on the Everton shirt," he told his new side's official website. "This is a big club and I know all about it from having played against them over the years. For me, it was a no-brainer to come here. But now that I've come to Everton, the job is not done. I've got to work hard and feel my way in. I'm ready and up for the challenge.

"It's not about the money for me. It's about looking at the ambition of the club and where they are trying to get to. I just like to play football. I just like to play football and it's going to be really interesting to learn from someone like Ronald Koeman, who was obviously a top centre-back as a player and he played with some of the best players in the world.

"The club has made good signings, players like Ashley Williams who I know well - and I know that I've joined a club that not only has lots of quality players but one that produces lots of quality players, like Ross Barkley, as well. This season is going to be very interesting and I'm looking forward to being part of it here at Everton."

Koeman believes that Everton's latest summer signing will provide his side with some versatility in attack as they look to mount a European charge this season.

"Yannick is a player who has been a long time on my radar because he's the type of winger I like - fast, strong and he can play different positions in the forward line," Koeman said. "He's a really good signing for the club.

"At 27, he's a good age and he has experience in the Premier League. He will give strength to the team and I'm very pleased to have Yannick as part of what we are trying to build here at Everton."

No official fee for the transfer has been given by either club, but reports suggest that Everton will hand over £25m for the DR Congo international.