Tom Cleverley joins Everton from Manchester United on free transfer

Cleverley opted to join Everton instead of Aston Villa

London, June 6 (IANS) Everton have confirmed the signing of midfielder Tom Cleverley from Manchester United on a free transfer with the 25-year-old agreeing to a five-year deal with the English Premier League (EPL) club.

Cleverley spent last season on loan at Aston Villa and manager Tim Sherwood had hoped to make the move permanent, but he has opted to link up with former coach Roberto Martinez instead, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Cleverley played under Martinez at Wigan on another loan spell from United during the 2010-11 campaign and scored four goals in 25 appearances, as the Lancashire club avoided relegation from the Premier League.

On Cleverley's arrival, Martinez told Everton's official website, "We are extremely delighted to be welcoming Tom and I can think of many reasons as to why our fans will enjoy Tom representing our football club."

Cleverley has so far played 13 matches for England, and will be looking to show United what they will miss by performing at his best for Everton.

CONFIRMED: Everton to sign Tom Cleverley on a five-year deal from 1 July. More here: http://t.co/Sjw5SG0Nbb #EFC

— Everton (@Everton) June 5, 2015