Gylfi Sigurdsson joins Everton on a club-record transfer

Everton have completed the club-record signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea, for a fee believed to be around £45million.

The 27-year-old Iceland midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year contract and becomes the Toffees’ eighth summer arrival.

“Hopefully I will continue to create goals and score goals for the team and contribute to the kind of success we’re seeking at the club,” Sigurdsson told evertontv.

“This is an ambitious club and it is clear we are moving in a really good direction. The most important thing is that this team keeps winning games and climbing the table – and does that throughout the season.”

Sigurdsson said the prospect of working with Everton boss Ronald Koeman was one of the main reasons for switching to Goodison Park.

“He was a great player, one of the top players of his time,” Sigurdsson added.

“Now he is a really good manager and his vision for Everton is clear. He has built up a really good squad here, with strong players, both young and experienced.

“This was a key factor for me. Ultimately, that is a dream of mine and everyone at this club. I know the supporters and players would agree with that.”

Sigurdsson began his professional career in England with Reading and joined German side Hoffenheim in 2010.

He moved on loan to Swansea at the start of 2012 and joined Tottenham in a £6.8million deal six months later, before returning to south Wales in 2014.

Sigurdsson, Swansea’s player of the year for the past two seasons, has made 50 appearances for Iceland and played a key role in their run to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals.

His proposed move has dragged on for much of the summer, with Swansea initially valuing their star man at £50million.

Finally securing him now, at a slightly lower price, takes Everton’s spending since the end of last season to over £130million.

Sigurdsson follows the likes of Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez as another multi-million-pound acquisition, while the club also secured the free transfer arrival of Wayne Rooney.

Sigurdsson, who scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in the league last term, pulled out of Swansea’s pre-season tour to the United States after Everton’s interest became clear.

He rejoined first-team training upon Swansea’s return from the States but did not figure in their Premier League opener at Southampton on Saturday.

Sigurdsson will not feature in Thursday’s Europa League play-off against Hajduk Split at Goodison Park, but Koeman indicated he could make his Everton debut in Monday’s league clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

“He will not be involved (on Thursday),” Koeman said. “Maybe for Monday, I do not know. I need to talk to him and know what his physical state is. Let’s wait to see how the fitness is.”

Koeman said Everton are waiting to learn the severity of an apparent hamstring problem suffered by Ross Barkley.

Reports have suggested Barkley, whose future with the club remains unclear, is facing six weeks out due to a hamstring tear.

Asked about that, Koeman said:

“He stopped training, I think it was last Monday. It looks like a hamstring injury but we need to do more tests … to know exactly what the injury is. We need to wait.” Midfielder Barkley, who is entering the last year of his contract, appears destined to leave the club having turned down the offer of a new deal. He has been linked with a move to Tottenham, but Koeman said last week there had been no offers for the England international.

Koeman, who has let midfielder Gareth Barry join West Brom, also signalled he would like to strengthen in the current transfer window beyond the capture of Sigurdsson.

He added on Wednesday:

“Still we are looking in two positions to make the squad even stronger than it is at this stage.”

West Brom sign Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry has completed his move from Everton to West Brom on an initial one-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 36-year-old former England midfielder, who had one year remaining on his contract at Goodison, missed Everton’s opening Premier League match of the new season against Stoke because of an ankle problem.

Barry has made 628 Premier League appearances in 21 seasons with Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton.

He needs five more to break Ryan Giggs’ all-time record of 632.

“I want to come and help the team. That’s always been the same for me wherever I have played,” Barry said.

“I want to help the team improve, work hard and hopefully add quality.”

Barry, who won 53 England caps, is West Brom’s fourth signing, after Jay Rodriguez, Zhang Yuning and Ahmed Hegazi.

And Pulis sees him as a replacement for Darren Fletcher, who joined Stoke earlier in the summer.

“I think his attitude is gauged by the fact Everton offered him a two-year deal,” said West Brom boss Tony Pulis.

“He’s a fantastic player, really wants to play and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

“There was a big void when we lost ‘Fletch’ and Gareth will fill that void,” said Pulis.

“He really wants to play and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

“He’s a fantastic player and I think his attitude towards playing is really gauged by the fact that Everton had offered him a two-year contract to stay there.

Giggs had played in every Premier League season before his retirement in May 2014, winning 13 league titles with Manchester United and racking up 632 appearances in the process.

Barry, meanwhile, made his debut at the end of the 1997-98 season and has played more than 30 games in all but one season since.

Of players still currently playing in the Premier League United’s former Tottenham and West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick is the next closest on 479.

Everton agree club-record deal for Swansea midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson

Everton have agreed a deal to sign Swansea City midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson for a fee believed to be about £45m.

The Iceland international scored nine goals and contributed 13 assists last season to help the Swans beat the drop.

The 27-year old will have a medical at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

Sigurdsson will become Everton’s record signing, beating the £31.8m they paid Chelsea for striker Romelu Lukaku in 2014.

Swansea set an asking price of £50m for Sigurdssonin July after rejecting an offer worth about £40m from Leicester.

The Welsh club then turned down a similar bid from Everton, who had been interested in signing the Iceland playmaker for more than a year.

Spurs will reportedly benefitfrom a 10% sell-on clause, having sold Sigudsson to Swansea in the deal which took Wales full-back Ben Davies and goalkeeper Michel Vorm to White Hart Lane.

EPL results – Lukaku scores twice as United cruise; Champions Chelsea shocked by Burnley; Liverpool held by

SUNDAY

• Manchester United 4 – 0 West Ham United

Romelu Lukaku announced his arrival at Old Trafford by scoring twice on his Premier League debut for Manchester United as they embarrassed West Ham.

Jose Mourinho’s team were a constant threat against a poor Hammers side, offering excitement and encouragement to their supporters on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

Lukaku, a £75m summer signing from Everton, put the Red Devils ahead with a rising drive off the post after racing onto Marcus Rashford’s pass.

The Belgium international doubled the lead after half-time, glancing in a header from Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s inswinging free-kick.

United teenager Rashford curled against the inside of Joe Hart’s left-hand post before substitute Anthony Martial ended the match as a contest with a slick finish.

There was still time for a fourth, however, as Paul Pogba curled in from distance.

The Hammers offered little going forward in a passive performance, although new signing Marko Arnautovic did flick a header onto the top of the home crossbar at 2-0.

The Red Devils have now lost only one of their 14 opening-day Premier League fixtures at Old Trafford, while West Ham’s season began with a record 11th defeat.

• Tottenham 2-0 Newcastle United

Tottenham made a winning start to the 2017-18 Premier League season as 10-man Newcastle endured a difficult return to the top flight.

The Magpies, promoted as winners of the Championship last term, had captain Jonjo Shelvey sent off early in the second half for standing on Dele Alli.

The Spurs attacker then put his side ahead with a close-range finish before Ben Davies finished off a neat move for Tottenham’s second.

It was a harsh re-introduction to life back in the Premier League for Newcastle, who were relegated from the division at the end of the 2015-16 season.

Rafael Benitez’s side did not really threaten Hugo Lloris in the Tottenham goal until late on, Christian Atsu forcing the goalkeeper into a low save and Ciaran Clark going close with a volley from 12 yards.

Instead, Spurs could have added to their lead as Harry Kane, last season’s Premier League top scorer with 29 goals, struck the post in injury time.

SATURDAY

• Chelsea 2 – 3 Burnley

Champions Chelsea suffered a nightmare start to their Premier League title defence, having two men sent off as Burnley claimed a superb win at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were down to 10 men with 14 minutes gone when captain Cahill was dismissed for a lunging challenge on Steven Defour, and they fell behind with 24 minutes gone as Sam Vokes guided the ball past Thibaut Courtois.

Burnley’s lead was doubled when, with a little over five minutes remaining until the break, Jack Cork set up Stephen Ward to hammer home, and it was 3-0 before the interval when Vokes scored his second with a header.

Marcos Alonso had an effort saved by Burnley keeper Tom Heaton early in the second half before Alvaro Morata was brought on for Michy Batshuayi, and Alonso had a free kick saved soon afterwards.

Morata dived to head home his first Premier League goal from a Willian cross and bundled the ball home moments later only to see an offside flag deny him.

Fabregas then saw red for a second booking — but David Luiz pulled another one back to set up a frenetic finish in which Burnley’s Robbie Brady hit the post and Morata failed to touch home late on.

There was no Diego Costa (on his way out), no Eden Hazard or Pedro(injured) and, after 24 minutes, no Cahill, exposing the decisions to let Nathan Ake join Bournemouth and fellow defender Kurt Zouma go on loan to Stoke.

Cahill’s red card ended Jeremie Boga’s shock debut early, as he was replaced by Christensen, and handed the initiative to Burnley, whose three-goal salvo added disbelief to the list of negative emotions ripping through the home support.

• Everton 1 – 0 Stoke City

Wayne Rooney scored on his Premier League return to Everton as they beat Stoke 1-0 in their opening fixture of the season.

It was a fairy-tale return to his boyhood club as Rooney headed home the winning goal in the added minute of injury time in the first half, and sealed the three points for the hosts.

The Toffees had drawn their last four opening day matches but managed to hold out for the victory against a Stoke side who had very few clear-cut chances, with Xherdan Shaqiri almost snatching a draw late on, only to be denied by a superb Jordan Pickford save.

• Watford 3 – 3 Liverpool

Liverpool conceded an injury-time equaliser as they were held 3-3 at Watford in their Premier League opener.

Mohamed Salah looked to have netted a winner on his Liverpool debut, but Miguel Britos headed home from point-blank range in the dying moments to secure a share of the spoils.

Liverpool — without Philippe Coutinho, who was ruled out with a back injury amid intense speculation over his future — fell behind on eight minutes, with Stefano Okaka taking advantage of some poor defending from a corner to head past Simon Mignolet.

Sadio Mane hit back on 29 minutes, but Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses were exposed again as Abdoulaye Doucoure slotted in for 2-1.

Liverpool turned it around early in the second half, with Roberto Firmino equalising from the penalty spot after Salah was brought down in the area by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes on 55 minutes and then Salah nudging home.

• Brighton & Hove Albion 0 – 2 Manchester City

Sergio Aguero was on target as Manchester City denied Brighton any hope of a shock on their Premier League debut.

Pep Guardiola’s side, for all their riches, took time to get into their groove in a 2-0 win at the Amex Stadium.

But the moment they did it was ruthless as striker Aguero converted 20 minutes from time.

Lewis Dunk turned Fernandinho’s cross through goalkeeper Mathew Ryan grasp and into his own net soon afterwards as City prevailed after previously being frustrated.

• Bromwich Albion 1 – 0 AFC Bournemouth

West Bromwich Albion made another set piece pay as they opened the season with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth at The Hawthorns.

The visitors produced plenty of neat football throughout, but were unable to create much threat and fell behind after 31 minutes when Ahmed Hegazi headed in a Chris Brunt free kick.

Jermain Defoe came on for Bournemouth after the break, replacing Benik Afobe, but the former Sunderland striker had little to work with as West Brom held firm.

• Crystal Palace 0 – 3 Huddersfield Town

Two goals in three minutes set Huddersfield up for a dream start to life in the Premier League as they defeated Crystal Palace 3-0 at Selhurst Park.

Tom Ince missed an early chance to give the Terriers the lead when he sent a bouncing effort from Tommy Smith’s cross straight at keeper Wayne Hennessey.

But they were ahead after 23 minutes when Palace failed to deal with an Aaron Mooy corner and the ball deflected in off Joel Ward — and with Palace rocking Mooy crossed again and Steve Mounie headed home. Palace made a half-time change, with Andros Townsend coming on in place of Luka Milivojevic, and Christian Benteke almost pulled a goal back — but Huddersfield made sure when Mounie struck again.

• Southampton 0 – 0 Swansea City West

Southampton suffered a frustrating afternoon as they were held 0-0 at home by Swansea City.

Watford 3 – 3 Liverpool

Chelsea 2 – 3 Burnley

Crystal Palace 0 – 3 Huddersfield Town

Everton 1 – 0 Stoke City

Southampton 0 – 0 Swansea City West

Bromwich Albion 1 – 0 AFC Bournemouth

Brighton & Hove Albion 0 – 2 Manchester City

Tottenham 2-0 Newcastle United

Manchester United 4 – 0 West Ham United

Phil Jagielka signs one-year contract extension at Everton

Everton captain Phil Jagielka has penned a one-year contract extension to keep him at Goodison Park until 2019.

The 34-year-old moved to Merseyside from Sheffield United a decade ago and has represented England on 40 occasions.

He had been linked with a transfer away this summer but boss Ronald Koeman is light on defenders due to long-term injuries to Seamus Coleman and Ramiro Funes Mori.

Jagielka has now committed his future to the Toffees to give Koeman some relief, with the Merseyside club announcing the news on their official website on Wednesday evening.

It is 22 years since Everton last lifted some silverware but after an impressive summer recruitment drive that has seen them land the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford, Jagielka hopes he can finally win something at Goodison.

“The club is moving forward,” he told evertonfc.com.

“I do not think the transfer business is finished but it is good that we have got people in nice and early.

“For the chairman to offer me the extra year… hopefully I can play my role, whatever that might be.

First and foremost, I want to get myself in that team and do my bit on the pitch. “Realistically, winning a trophy is an aim this season, next season and into the future. We want to be competing for things.

“We have the European game (second leg of a Europa League qualifier against Ruzomberok) coming up, we want to get through that, then we will look forward to competing in four competitions this season and performing in every one.”

Koeman revealed Jagielka is held in high esteem in his dressing room, adding: “With his commitment to the club and more than 10 years of experience here at Everton, Phil is a natural captain and his continued level of fitness contributes also to him being a really important player for us.

“The fact that he has been an Everton player for a decade now underlines his character and why he is a player admired by many people, and also by the manager

Swansea reject second bid from Everton for Gylfi Sigurdsson worth £45m

Swansea have rejected a second bid from Everton for playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Welsh club turned down an offer for the Iceland international believed to be worth £40million from the Toffees earlier this month.

It is now thought Everton have tabled a new bid of around £40million with potential add-ons that could take a final package closer to £45million.

That, however, remains short of Swansea’s valuation of the player and the Liberty Stadium outfit are thought to be holding out for £50million.

Sigurdsson’s future has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer with reports claiming Leicester were also interested in the 27-year-old.

The former Tottenham midfielder did not travel with the Swans squad for their pre-season tour of the United States with the club reporting he was not in “the right frame of mind.”

Owners Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien also issued a strongly-worded statement saying they would not sell unless they received an acceptable offer. “We will not be bullied or forced into a decision until a club meets our valuation of the player, no matter whether they believe they have an agreement with the player,” it read.

Everton sign Southampton defender Cuco Martina

Everton have signed former Southampton defender Cuco Martina on a three-year contract.
The right-back, 27, was out of contract with the Saints after two years on the south coast and has now reunited with his old Southampton boss Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park after moving on a free transfer.

Curacao international Martina was signed by Southampton when Toffees boss Koeman was in charge and the defender has also played under Everton assistant Erwin Koeman, Ronald’s brother, during his time in Holland.
Everton have had a busy summer in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Wayne Rooney, Sandro Ramirez and Jordan Pickford, and Martina admits their approach persuaded him to move to Merseyside.

“Everton is a big club with big ambitions and I’m really looking forward to joining this group of players and the manager as we try to step forward next season,” the defender told  evertonfc.com.

“Obviously, I know the manager from my time at Southampton, so I know what he wants and he knows what I can do.

“Everton supporters are really passionate about their club and everyone’s excited about where the club is aiming. You can see this is a club that wants to achieve something and the players we are bringing certainly show this.”

The Toffees’ regular right-back Seamus Coleman suffered a double-leg break while on international duty in March so will miss the start of this campaign, while Koeman was also keen to acquire more defensive options ahead of their return to the Europa League.
“Cuco Martina is an experienced player who can perform in different positions at the back, which is important,” Koeman added.

“It’s also important, with the number of games we will face in the coming campaign, that we have strength and competition in the squad.

“I brought the player to Southampton, so I know what he can do for us here and this is why I’ve now brought him to Everton. He is a player who will strengthen our squad and be able to play in different positions when that’s needed, too.”
Martina made 36 appearances over two seasons with Saints and scored just once, although it was a stunning long-range strike in a 4-0 victory over Arsenal in 2015.
Everton’s latest recruit was part of the travelling party bound for Holland on Monday as part of their pre-season preparations.
Under-21 internationals Pickford and Sandro, who missed last week’s friendly in Tanzania having been given extra time off after featuring at Euro 2017, were also on the plane but Ross Barkley was not.

The club have explained a groin injury has again prevented the midfielder from joining Koeman’s squad.

Barkley had been given an ultimatum this summer of signing a new contract or being sold but last week his manager claimed his future was no clearer.

Barcelona formalize the re-signing of Gerard Deulofeu from Everton

Gerard Deulofeu has officially completed his move back to Spanish giants Barcelona from Everton.

The 23-year-old forward passed a medical on Friday morning before signing a two-year contract tying him to the Spanish giants until June 30, 2019.

Barca last month activated the buy-back clause in Deulofeu’s contract with Everton to bring him back to the Nou Camp, where he came up through the youth ranks before moving to England in a permanent deal in 2015.

It has reportedly cost Barca £10.5million to re-sign the Spain Under-21 captain, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan.

Barca said on their website: “Deulofeu formalises return to Barcelona. The 23-year-old forward was at the club’s offices on Friday morning to sign the deal that brings him back to the team after four seasons with Everton, Sevilla, and AC Milan.

“Before heading to the club’s offices to sign the deal along with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, Deulofeu underwent a pre-season physical at the team’s training centre with the rest of Barca’s internationals.”

Deulofeu spent 10 seasons in Barca’s youth academy before joining Everton on loan in 2013. He spent the following season on loan with Sevilla before returning to Everton in a permanent deal for £4.3m in 2015.

Sunderland clinch dual signing of Aiden McGeady and James Vaughan

​Sunderland have announced the double signing of Aiden McGeady and James Vaughan as boss Simon Grayson steps up his recruitment drive.

Republic of Ireland winger McGeady joins from Everton on a three-year deal and, given how he impressed for Preston in the Championship last season, will offer Sunderland fans hope of an immediate return to the Premier League.

McGeady worked with new boss Simon Grayson during his loan spell at Deepdale, and the manager told his club’s official website: “Aiden’s career speaks volumes. He’s been an exceptional player and was an outstanding performer at Preston last season.”

The former Celtic and Spartak Moscow man is joined on Wearside by former Everton striker Vaughan.

He scored 24 goals in 37 appearances for Bury last season and has been widely considered to be better than League One standard.

“James has good experience and he scored a lot of goals last year. He’s a player who will come into the squad and give us something different because I think we were missing a striker with a physical presence – and he certainly brings that attribute,” Grayson added.

“He’s mobile, he knows where the goal is and he fits in with the ethos that we’re trying to bring to Sunderland.”

As Grayson looks to build a Sunderland squad capable of challenging for promotion, the deals represent good value for the club and are a far cry from the millions spent in the top flight.

Press Association Sport understands McGeady cost £250,000 and Vaughan £500,000.

It takes Grayson’s tally of acquisitions to four and all have links to Everton. Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway moved from Goodison earlier this month while Vaughan started out there in 2004.

Manchester United confirm the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Everton

Manchester United have completed the signing of striker Romelu Lukaku from Premier League rivals Everton.
The Belgium international has signed a five-contract, with the option of a further 12 months, at Old Trafford after United had agreed a fee, believed to be an initial £75 million, with the Toffees on Saturday.

The fee could eventually rise to £90m, and United held off late competition from Chelsea for the Belgium striker’s signature.
Lukaku has joined up with his new team-mates in Los Angeles ahead of their pre-season schedule in the United States, although he will not feature in their opening game against LA Galaxy this weekend.

Speaking to MUTV, he said midfielder Paul Pogba had played a “big role”in him signing for United.
Lukaku said: “I would like to start by thanking Everton and the fans for the last four wonderful seasons, I have made some special friends and we have shared some amazing moments,” Lukaku told United’s official website.

“However, when Manchester United and Jose Mourinho come knocking at the door it is an opportunity of a lifetime and one that I could not turn down.

“You could see the fight, determination and the spirit in this team during the Europa League final and I want to become a part of that.

“I cannot wait to run out at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 fans but before that pre-season is where the hard work starts and I am looking forward to that first training session.”

Lukaku turned down the most lucrative contract offer in Everton’s history, thought to be worth £140,000 a week, in March and later said: “I don’t want to stay at the same level. I want to improve and I know where I want to do that.”

Mourinho, who managed the 24-year-old at Chelsea and sanctioned Lukaku’s departure from Chelsea to Everton,

“Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United,” he added.

“He is a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club. He will be a great addition to the group and I know they will make him very welcome. I am really looking forward to working with him again.”, told the United website: “Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United. He is a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club.

“He will be a great addition to the group and I know they will make him very welcome. I am really looking forward to working with him again.”
The 24-year-old then netted 71 goals in all competitions on Merseyside to become one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.

Romelu Lukaku’s stat

• With two goals against Hull City in March, Lukaku became the first Everton player since Gary Lineker in 1985-86 to score 20 league goals in a season.

• Lukaku is also only the fourth player to score more than 80 goals in the Premier League before turning 24 (after Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Rooney).

• He has scored more goals than any other Everton player in Premier League history (68).

• Lukaku is one of only three players to have scored more than 10 goals in each of the past five Premier League seasons (alongside Olivier Giroud and Sergio Aguero).

Top five world record transfers

1. £89m – Paul Pogba – Juventus to Manchester United, 2016
2. £86m – Gareth Bale – Tottenham to Real Madrid, 2013
3. £80m – Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United to Real Madrid, 2009
4. £75.3m – Gonzalo Higuain – Napoli to Juventus, 2016
5. £75m – Luis Suarez – Liverpool to Barcelona, 2014; Romelu Lukaku – Everton to Manchester United, 2017

Top five British transfer records

1. £75m – Romelu Lukaku – Everton to Manchester United, 2017
2. £50m – Fernando Torres – Liverpool to Chelsea, 2011
3. £47.5m – John Stones – Everton to Manchester City, 2016
4. £44m – Raheem Sterling – Liverpool to Manchester City, 2015
5. £37.1m – Juan Mata – Chelsea to Manchester United, 2014

Wayne Rooney completes emotional return to Everton

​Wayne Rooney has confirmed he has rejoined Everton from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee, though believed to be a free transfer.

Everton announced Rooney had signed on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Rooney said: “It is some time since I said that the only Premier League club I would play for other than Manchester United was Everton, so I am delighted that the move has happened.

“Thirteen years ago I went to United with the intention of winning trophies and I have been fortunate to be a part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

“I have come back to Everton because I believe Ronald Koeman is building a team that can win something and I look forward to playing my part in making that a reality for the club I have supported since a boy.”

“I’m not just coming back because it’s the team I support, the team I grew up playing for – I’m coming back because I feel the club can move forward and be successful,” said Rooney, who scored 17 goals in 77 games in his first spell at Goodison.

“I want to be part of it. There will be pressure on me to perform, but I’m ready to go. I believe I can help move this club forward and be more successful on the pitch.”

Everton manager Ronald Koeman said: “Wayne has shown me that ambition that we need and that winning mentality – he knows how to win titles and I’m really happy he’s decided to come home.

“He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back. He is still only 31 and I don’t have any doubts about his qualities. It’s fantastic he’s here.”

Rooney, 31, played 559 times for the Red Devils, scoring 253 goals.
He won five Premier League titles and each of the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup once after joining from the Toffees for £27m in  2004.

Manchester United bid farewell to Wayne Rooney after leaving for Everton

Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward have hailed the greatness and service of Wayne Rooney after he left Manchester United to return to Everton.
Rooney has been one of United’s most influential players since his £27million signing in 2004 but he began to fall down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho last season, making just 15 Premier League starts. He appeared only as a last-minute substitute in the Europa League final victory over Ajax in May.

Mourinho said: “It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne. He has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come.

“It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton. His experience, focus and determination will be missed and I wish him well for the future.”

Woodward said: “Wayne has been a fantastic servant to United since the moment he signed for us as a prodigiously talented, explosive teenager some 13 seasons ago.

“Who can forget his storybook debut hat-trick against Fenerbahce, the spectacular overhead kick against City and the countless match-winning performances in his time here? But after much discussion, the club has decided to accept his request to rejoin his boyhood team.

“He goes having created some of the most magical moments in some of the most successful years in the club’s history. Wayne leaves us as our greatest ever goalscorer and having won every major trophy in the game.

“His record will take decades for anyone to get close to matching and I am extremely grateful for the way he has led from the front since being appointed club captain three years ago.

“On behalf of the whole club and our hundreds of millions of fans around the world, we wish Wayne all the very best for the next phase of his incredible career.”

​#FarewellToALegend@WayneRooney is leaving #MUFC to return to Everton: http://manutd.co/vU 

Thank you, Wayne, from all of us.

Everton defender Tyias Browning join Sunderland on loan

Sunderland have announced the signing of Everton defender Tyias Browning on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old will link back up with Simon Grayson at the Stadium of Light, having spent the second half of last season under the new Black Cats manager while on loan at Preston.

Browning, who has made nine appearances for Everton since his debut against Liverpool in September 2014, is the second player to join Sunderland on loan from the Toffees this week, with fellow defender Brendan Galloway having also moved to the north-east.

They join other ex-Everton players Bryan Oviedo, Darron Gibson and Jack Rodwell on the books of the Championship club.

Former England Under-21 international Browning signed a new contract with Everton in January, tying him to the club until the summer of 2019.

Wayne Rooney arrives Everton training ground to complete medicals ahead of move from Manchester United

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney will undergo a medical with Everton on Saturday ahead of his much anticipated homecoming.

Rooney was pictured arriving at the Everton’s training ground as the Toffees are set to re-sign the 31-year-old 13 years after his £20m move to Old Trafford in 2004, with an announcement possible over the weekend.

Rooney switches back to Merseyside, where he made his debut and burst onto the Premier League as a prodigal 16-year-old, as part of a deal that will  see United sign striker  Romelu Lukaku for up to  £90m.

Wayne Rooney will see his wage halved to £150,000 a week, and will get a £15million golden handshake from United.

Rooney, who is both United and England’s all-time record scorer struggled to regain his place in Jose Mourinho’s first-team last season after a difficult previous campaign under Louis van Gaal.

He has attempted to turn himself into a central-midfielder but not been able to nail down a first-team place for either United or England.

Rooney will expect a first-team place to be guaranteed at Goodison Park, where he made 77 appearances and scored 17 goals in his first two-season spell. For United, Rooney will remain one of the club’s greatest ever players, having scored 251 goals in over 500 games.

Manchester United confirm Romelu Lukaku’s deal, as striker have medicals ahead of record transfer

Manchester United have confirmed they have agreed a deal with Everton for Romelu Lukaku, with the deal expected to go through later on Saturday.
Romelu Lukaku will undergo his Manchester United medical in Los Angeles.

#MUFC is delighted to announce a fee has been agreed with Everton for the transfer of Romelu Lukaku, subject to a medical & personal terms.

United will pay £75m up-front plus £15m of add-ons and incentives could reportedly see it top £100million. Wayne Rooney will move to Goodison Park in the opposite direction.

Lukaku has been holidaying in LA with prospective Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba, who has posted a  congratulatory message  to his friend on Instagram and said “see you  tomorrow in training”.

The pair have also been training together at UCLA ahead of United’s pre-season tour of the US, which begins with a friendly against LA Galaxy in the Californian city next Saturday.
Mourinho knows Lukaku from his time in charge at Chelsea and it was the Portuguese coach who sanctioned the striker’s £28m sale to Everton in 2014.

During three seasons at Everton, Lukaku has become one of the Premier League’s most prolific strikers, scoring 71 goals in 133 games.

Everton were desperate to keep their main goal scorer, especially after already spending close to £100m this summer to help Ronald Koeman’s side break into the top four.

However, Lukaku has made no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League.
Lukaku could make his United debut against LA Galaxy at StubHub Center on July 15. He scored 25 Premier League goals last season and was only beaten to the golden boot by Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.

Chelsea had made a last-ditch attempt to hijack Lukaku’s proposed move to Old Trafford by matching United’s bid on Friday. But Lukaku has decided to join United and the deal should be completed over the weekend.

Manchester United agree £75m fee with Everton for Romelu Lukaku and end interest in Alvaro Morata

Manchester United have agreed a £75m fee with Everton to sign Romelu Lukaku.
However, Senior Everton sources insist no deal has been reached or fee agreed for the sale of striker Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United.

United remain confident one is close and will be finalised.
All summer former club Chelsea appeared to be the front-runners for Lukaku’s signature but it is understood United have been quietly pursuing him old for months and he is said to have been the club’s main target, with interest from Stamford Bridge helping cover that up.

It is understood United have ended their interest in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata as they progress a move for Lukaku, with the club hoping to get a deal over the line before heading to the United States on their pre-season tour.
Lukaku’s future at Goodison Park has been in doubt since he rejected a lucrative new contract  offer back in Marchand said during duty with the Belgium national team that he knew where his future would be.

Lukaku has also been a target for Chelsea this summer but United boss Jose Mourinho has also been keen to add a new high-profile striker to his squad after losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic to injury.
Lukaku, who scored 25 Premier League goals last season, is expected to have a medical later this week with the hope that he can join United for their tour of the United States.
The team return to training on Saturday before flying off to Los Angeles on Sunday.

Aaron Lennon returns to Everton training after illness

Everton winger Aaron Lennon is among the players to return to the Premier League club for pre-season preparations.

The 30-year-old was detained by  police in Mayunder the Mental Health Act over concerns for his welfare.

He was taken to hospital “for assessment” but was expected to  make a full recoveryin the short term.

Long-term injury absentees Seamus Coleman and Yannick Bolasie were also at the Finch Farm training ground.

All three players were part of a photo  galleryposted by the club showing the squad’s return to the training complex.

Defender Coleman has been out with a double fracture of his right leg,which he suffered playing for the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier against Wales in March.

Winger Bolasie injured his right kneeduring the Toffees’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United in December last year.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman said in January that Bolaise, who has had surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament, could be out for up to a year.

Everton have not commented on the latest developments but Lennon was pictured smiling as players were assessed at the club’s Finch Farm training ground.

Lennon, a former Leeds and Tottenham player, last played for Ronald Koeman’s side in February.

Everton sign Michael Kane from Burnley

Everton have signed Michael Keane from Burnley for a fee that could rise to a club-record equalling £30m.
Keane, 24, moves to Goodison Park after agreeing a five-year contract.

The England defender is Everton’s second signing of the day, and fifth of the summer, with Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez also joining on Monday for £5.2m.

Those signings take Everton’s spending in this transfer window to more than £90m, a total including a deal worth up to £30mfor goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
“He used to play in my position. I have been fortunate enough that in the clubs I have played in the past, the manager has played in my position as well and I feel like he was a very classy centre-half so he can still teach me things.” Keane toldSky Sports News HQ.

“He used to play in my position. I have been fortunate enough that in the clubs I have played in the past, the manager has played in my position as well and I feel like he was a very classy centre-half so he can still teach me things.”

“I want to develop, I am only 24 years old, which is young for a centre-half but I feel how much they wanted me was a big factor as well.

“Bill Kenwright has got a great relationship with my representatives and he was a major factor in me coming here, and Steve Walsh as well. I know him from my days at Leicester, so I felt really wanted by everyone at the club and I just can’t wait to get going now.”

The Manchester United academy graduate, who resisted interest from his former club to move to Everton, insisted Goodison Park is the ideal place for him to grow as a player.

“Of course it was a temptation [to join Manchester United] – it’s your boyhood club but you have got to take your heart out of it sometimes and think what’s best for you, and I feel as if this is the best place for me to come and continue my development.
“It’s a club with such big history and a great fan base so I can’t wait to pull on the shirt and play for this club.”

Everton boss Ronald Koeman said: “Michael was high among the players we wanted to bring to Everton this summer and I’m delighted he is here at the club,”

“We knew there would be competition from other clubs but Michael believes in the ambition of Everton and what we want to do and this is the perfect moment for him to come.”

Everton confirm the signing of Sandro Ramirez from Malaga

Everton have confirmed the signing of Sandro Ramirez from Malaga on a four-year deal.

The Toffees triggered a release clause in the 21-year-old’s contract, believed to be £5.25m, and he follows Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen and Henry Onyekuru in making the move to Goodison Park, with Michael Keane also  undergoing a medical at  the club on Monday.

Sandro scored 14 goals for Malaga in La Liga in 2016-17, having joined them from Barcelona last summer.

“This is a big step in my career,” Sandro told EvertonTV. “Everton is the ideal club for me, I’ve got the ideal manager who is going to keep giving me the confidence to improve my game.”

He added: “It’s a big jump in my career coming to the Premier League and for a club like Everton which is really on the up.

“They have got big plans and want to succeed and keep developing.”
“I’m very happy, this is a big step in my career,” Sandro told Everton’s website. “I know I’m signing for a massive club in England. Everton is the ideal place for me, I’ve got the ideal manager who is going to keep giving me the confidence to improve my game.

“I cannot wait to wear the blue shirt in front of the Everton fans at Goodison Park. It’s a big jump in my career coming to the Premier League and for a club like Everton which is really on the up. They have got big plans and want to succeed and keep developing. I’m hoping I can get to know my teammates as soon as possible, and want to adapt to the football and the way of life in the city.

“Everton have made some big signings and we’re hoping we can put in a great season and hopefully then we can achieve that aim of getting in the Champions League. It will be a big season for us.

“I was lucky enough to play with some of the best players in the world and managed to win the odd trophy but the important thing now is that I’m very happy to be signing for Everton. We’ve got a fantastic squad and I’m excited about being able to compete at Everton and win plenty of silverware.”

Sandro came up through the Barcelona youth system and made 32 appearances for the first team before a move last summer to Malaga, where he scored 16 goals in 31 games.

Atletico Madrid had been leading the race for Sandro, but their transfer ban stopped a potential move for him to stay in Spain.
The Sandro signing is another statement of intent by Toffees boss Ronald Koeman, who smashed the club’s transfer record to sign goalkeeper Pickford from Sunderland last month.

Koeman said: “There was a lot of interest in Sandro because, of course, he’s a goal scorer, he’s young and he has a big future in the game. We have been trying to bring in good players so we can have greater productivity in the team and he will bring that. He will bring a lot of good qualities and he’s a really good goal scorer, too.”

Everton sign Sandro Ramirez from Malaga

Everton have completed the signing of Sandro Ramirez from Malaga on a five-year deal.
The Toffees are believed to have met the 21-year-old’s buy-out clause of £5.25m, taking their spending so far this summer past £60m.

The 21-year-old, one of Spain’s most promising young talents, joined Barcelona’s youth set-up aged 14 before going on to make 17 senior appearances for the club, scoring two goals.
Following his release from the Nou Camp a year ago, Ramirez joined Malaga where he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in La Liga, scoring 14 goals and registering three assists from 30 appearances last season.

If Everton complete the deal they will have successfully beaten off competition from Juventus to secure the services of the Spaniard, who is currently away with Spain’s under-21 squad in Poland.
Ramirez becomes Everton’s fourth signing of the summer, joining Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen and Henry Onyekuru.

Everton confirm the signing of Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru from Eupen

Everton have confirmed the signing of Nigeria international Henry Onyekuru from Belgian side Eupen – a deal which takes their summer spending past £50million.

The 20-year-old, who finished the season as joint top-scorer in the Belgian Super League with 22 goals in 38 matches, has signed a five-year contract after a fee understood to be in the region of £7million was agreed earlier this week.

However, he will immediately go out on loan to Anderlecht for next season where he will play in the Champions League.

He is the third new arrival at Goodison Park this summer, following Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (signed for £25m with £5m of add-ons) and Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen (£23.6m).

“Everton has completed the signing of exciting Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru,” said a statement from the club.

“The pacy 20-year-old has joined the Blues from Belgian side Eupen for an undisclosed fee, becoming the club’s third confirmed signing of the 2017 summer transfer window.”

Onyekuru had caught the attention of Arsenal and West Ham after scoring 30 goals in 60 matches for Eupen but Everton moved quickly to secure the young striker’s services.

Everton are also expected to complete a deal for Malaga forward Sandro Ramirez by early next week.

The Toffees activated the former Barcelona player’s £5.7m release clause a couple of weeks ago but there has been a delay in completing the transfer because of his involvement at the European Under-21 Championship, where he has reached Friday’s final with Spain.

Everton’s spending is likely to break through the £80m barrier next week with a £25m deal in the pipeline for Burnley defender Michael Keane.

Talks have progressed this week between the two sides and agent Jamie Moralee, while not naming the club, confirmed a deal was close.

“Obviously there’s a lot of speculation, a lot of interest, in Michael and rightly so,” Moralee told talkSPORT.

“We are hoping that we can get a deal concluded to a new destination maybe by the weekend. And the key to it all, for Michael, is he wants to continue to learn and develop.

“Finding a home where they have got aspirations and ambitions to move on as a football club, where he plays, is key in his development.

“We feel that we have found the right fit and hopefully things can progress over the weekend and he can be unveiled very shortly.

“There’s no point him now getting that move and then sitting on the bench and sitting in the stands.

“He needs to continue and I think if he continues in the same vein in the next two years, as he has done, he will be England and Europe’s number one centre-half. ”

Barcelona set re-sign Gerard Deulofeu from Everton

Barcelona have announced that they will re-signing Gerard Deulofeu from Everton on a two-year deal for 12 million Euros.

The Catalan side have activated a buy-back clause for the Spanish winger who signed for Everton on a permanent basis in July 2015.

Deulofeu fell down the pecking at Goodison Park following the signing of Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace and spent the second half of last season on loan with AC Milan.

The 23-year-old, who is a product Barca’s famed La Masia academy, is currently on international duty with Spain U21 and is expected to start Friday night’s European  Championship final  against Germany in Poland.
A statement from Barcelona said: “FC Barcelona have activated the buy-back clause for Gerard Deulofeu. In the following days, the terms will be agreed with both Everton and the player. Deulofeu’s contract will run until 30 June 2019.”

Everton agree deal for Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru

Everton have pulled off a significant transfer coup by reportedly securing a deal for Henry Onyekuru from Belgian outfit KAS Eupen.

The Nigeria frontman finished last season as the joint leading goalscorer in the Belgian Super League with 22 goals in 38 games, and that led to plenty of speculation over his future this summer.

Arsenal were said to be right at the front of the queue for the 20-year-old but the Toffees appear to have surged ahead of their Premier League rivals and landed Onyekuru.

Everton have done a deal that will see Onyekuru spend a season on loan with Anderlecht before eventually coming to the Premier League in 2018-19.
Onyekeru, who has a £6.8m release clause in his contract, will spend next season on loan at Anderlecht as he does not yet qualify for a United Kingdom work permit.
Everton also thinks his spell with Anderlecht will aid his development, particularly with the Belgian outfit playing in the Champions League next season.
The 20-year-old is the third high-profile close-season arrival at Goodison Park following the signings of Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen.
A deal for QPR teenager  Josh Bowler is also close.

Everton close in on third signing M’Baye Niang from Milan

Everton will make their third summer signing this week with striker M’Baye Niang set to sign for Ronald Koeman.

Although it is reported that Everton are yet to agree personal terms with the AC Milan forward, he could be set for a medical on Saturday.

Niang spent last season on loan with Watford

Koeman has already spent £30million on Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford and forked out £24million for Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen and Niang is believed to have a price tag of around €16million.

Everton sign Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen

​Everton have announced the signing of Ajax attacking midfielder and captain Davy Klaassen on a five-year deal, for a fee of £23.5 million (€27m).
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder underwent a medical at Finch Farm on Wednesday.

The 2016 Dutch footballer of the year leaves Ajax with two seasons remaining on his current contract after helping the Amsterdam club reach the final of this season’s Europa League.
Klaassen served as Ajax captain the past two seasons. He came up through their academy, making his debut in 2011, and went on to score 49 goals in 163 first-team appearances.

He has also hit four goals in 14 international caps for Holland.

“I’ve walked around the training ground and talked with a few people and it feels good,” Klaassen told Everton’s website. 

“I spoke a few weeks ago with Ronald Koeman about Everton. I wanted to come here and check if this was the right club for me and since I came here I feel so happy. It’s a great club.

“The moment that I spoke with the manager directly I got a good feeling. He’s an honest guy, we talked about the club, about the way he wants to play and that gave me a positive feeling.

“I talked to him about the club and everything we want to achieve and he was really positive. It’s difficult to leave Ajax but I think this is a good step for me now and I’m really looking forward to my time here.”

Klaassen played his last game for the club in the 2-0 Europa League final defeat to Manchester United.

Everton complete club-record signing of Jordan Pickford from Sunderland

Everton have signed goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for a club-record £30m fee from Sunderland.

Pickford has signed a five-year contract and moves to Goodison Park for an initial £25m fee which could rise to £30m depending on team and individual performances.

The 23-year-old made his first-team debut with Sunderland in January 2016 and finished last campaign with the club’s Player of the Season award.
Pickford told evertonfc.com: “It’s great to sign for the club.

“Last season was my first in the Premier League so to get this opportunity with Everton now, to be able to go forward with my career and show everyone what I can do is unbelievable.”
Having suffered relegation with Sunderland, Pickford is glad to be back in the top-flight so soon.

He said: “It’s a great club, a massive club and I think it’s a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton and show what I can do.

“This is an exciting time for the club and for me, too, with the ambition being shown. I just want to be the best I can be to help.”
Pickford was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award despite featuring for a team that finished bottom of the top-flight table.

He earned a call-up to England’s senior ranks in October and has represented the country at each of the six youth levels from Under-16 upwards.
Pickford came through Sunderland’s academy system and had a series of loan deals with the likes of Preston, Bradford, and Carlisle prior to becoming his boyhood club’s number one last term.
The fee is short of the £35million Manchester City parted with earlier this summer to land Brazilian stopper Ederson – but still makes Pickford the most expensive British goalkeeper ever.

That honour currently belongs to Southampton’s Fraser Forster, who Saints paid £10million for when Koeman was in charge on the south coast in 2014.

EPL results: Final day – Champions Chelsea cruise on Terry’s farewell match; Arsenal win but miss out of Champions League; Kane nets a hat trick- wins Golden boot

​Arsenal 3 – 1 Everton

Burnley 1 – 2 West Ham  United

Chelsea 5 – 1 Sunderland

Hull City 1 – 7 Tottenham  Hotspur

Leicester City 1 – 1 AFC Bournemouth

Liverpool 3 – 0 Middlesbrough

Manchester United 2 – 0 Crystal Palace

Southampton 0 – 1 Stoke City

Swansea City 2 – 1 West Bromwich Albion

Watford 0 – 5 Manchester  City

• Chelsea 5 – 1 Sunderland

Premier League champions Chelsea beat Sunderland 5-1 to break the Premier League record for wins in a season, as captain John Terry waved goodbye to Stamford Bridge.

With their 30th Premier League victory of the season, Chelsea have broken the competition record set by Jose Mourinho’s title-winning Blues teams in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, who both won 29 of their 38 league matches.

The win also means Conte’s men finish the season with 93 points, a tally beaten only by Chelsea’s first Premier League title-winning side in 2004-05.

Blues legend, Terry, who has spent 22 years at the club but will leave this summer, played 26 minutes after starting his second match in a row and was replaced to a standing ovation and a guard of honour from his team-mates.

Willian’s equaliser  had already cancelled out Javier Manquillo’s third-minute strike by that point, and Eden Hazard and Pedro scored after the break to put the hosts in control.

Substitute Michy Batshuayi grabbed a late double to seal a record-breaking 30th Premier League victory this season.

It was the perfect prelude to the lifting of the trophy after the match and for Chelsea’s FA Cup final against Arsenal on Saturday.

• Hull City 1 – 7 Tottenham  Hotspur

Harry Kane finished as the Premier League’s top scorer for the second successive season after scoring a hat-trick as Tottenham thrashed Hull 7-1 on the final day.

The striker, who netted four in a 6-1 win at Leicester on Thursday, followed up with two goals inside the opening 15 minutes at the KCOM Stadium.

Dele Alli made it 3-0 before half-time and, after Sam Clucas pulled a goal back in the 66th minute, Spurs finished with a flourish.

Victor Wanyama headed in before Kane completed his hat-trick and Ben Davies and Toby Alderweireld scored their first Premier League goals of the season.

Kane wins the Golden Boot award with 29 goals, four more than nearest rival Romelu Lukaku.

And the rout concludes another impressive campaign for Spurs, who finish second behind Chelsea on 86 points with just four defeats and a club-record 26 goals conceded.

Hull, meanwhile, drop to the Championship with uncertainty over the future of Marco Silva, who was serenaded by fans throughout the match in a bid to keep him at the club, with  talks planned next week.

• Watford 0 – 5 Manchester  City

Manchester City sealed their place in next season’s Champions League by crushing Watford to finish third in Pep Guardiola’s debut season.

City skipper Vincent Kompany was left unmarked to head in an early opener before Sergio Aguero twice clinically fired in after quick counters-attacks.

The Blues, needing a point to guarantee a finish in the top four, were 4-0 up at half-time after Fernandinho bundled in.

Gabriel Jesus clipped in a fifth after the break as Watford ended the reign of departing manager Walter Mazzarri with a shocking display.

Mazzarri, who leaves after just one season, was booed by some Hornets fans during the game as the hosts suffered a sixth successive defeat to finish in 17th place.

• Liverpool 3 – 0 Middlesbrough

Liverpool secured their Champions League return as their initial nerves turned to jubilation and relegated Middlesbrough crumbled at Anfield.

With top-four rivals Arsenal ahead at Everton, Liverpool were impotent in attack and twitchy at the back for most of the first half.

But Georginio Wijnaldum eased the tension in injury time, bursting into the box and smashing in a fierce shot at the near post.

Philippe Coutinho’s low curling free-kick six minutes into the second half was quickly followed by Adam Lallana slotting in to give the Reds a comfortable cushion to ride out to full-time.

With Manchester City thrashing Watford, Liverpool finished fourth in the final Premier League table and will have to negotiate Champions League qualifying at the start of next season.

• ​Arsenal 3 – 1 Everton

Arsenal missed out on a place in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years despite beating Everton on the final day of the season.

Arsene Wenger’s side got the win they required despite having defender Laurent Koscielny sent off for a reckless first-half challenge on Everton’s Enner Valencia. He will now serve a suspension that will keep him out of the FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.

Arsenal took the lead early on through Hector Bellerin’s far-post finish and Alexis Sanchez scrambled in a second after Koscielny’s dismissal to put the Gunners in control.

It was to no avail as Liverpool completed their task by beating Middlesbrough to finish fourth.

The Gunners did end the league campaign with a flourish though thanks to Aaron Ramsey’s brilliant injury-time strike from 20 yards after Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back for Everton from the penalty spot.

The hosts, who also had defender Gabriel taken off injured on a stretcher, now turn their attention to Wembley, after which an announcement on manager Wenger’s future will be made.

• Manchester United 2 – 0 Crystal Palace

Josh Harrop scored on his debut as Manchester United’s disappointing Premier League campaign ended with a comfortable victory over Crystal Palace.

Harrop was one of four players given their first top-flight starts as manager Jose Mourinho named the youngest United line-up in Premier League history, with an average age of 22 years and 284 days.

The 21-year-old midfielder was brimming with confidence and lashed in a superb finish from inside the box in the first half, and could have had a second, but curled an effort narrowly wide.

Paul Pogba doubled the advantage with a low strike before being replaced by Michael Carrick with Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax in mind.

With two minutes remaining the London-born and Salford-raised Angel Gomes replaced captain Wayne Rooney to become the club’s youngest ever Premier League player at 16 years and 263 days old.

He is also the first player born in the 21st century to appear in the Premier League.

Palace’s best chance went to Christian Benteke in the second half, but the striker’s towering header struck the foot of the post.

Victory means United collect £28.5m in competition prize money for a sixth place finish – their second successive season outside the top four – while Palace end the season in 14th, earning them £13.3m.

• Southampton 0 – 1 Stoke City

Southampton” miserable home form continued as Peter Crouch struck the only goal of the game to help Stoke to a first away win since January on the final day of the season.

The home side enjoyed the majority of possession but Nathan Redmond’s lob on to the bar on the stroke of half-time was their best moment until Crouch pounced.

The striker’s 10th goal of the season arrived when he headed home a Geoff Cameron cross and they deserved the lead after creating openings throughout.

Southampton rallied late on as Jack Butland produced fine saves to deny Steven Davis, James Ward-Prowse and Sofiane Boufal but Claude Puel’s side end the campaign without a win in five games at St Mary’s.

His side end the season eighth, with their lowest points tally since 2012-13, while Stoke finish 13th, their lowest finish since the same season.

• Leicester City 1 – 1 AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth secured their highest top-flight finish with a draw at Leicester on the final day of the 2016-17 Premier League season.

Junior Stanislas put the Cherries ahead after just 59 seconds, smashing in a rebound from Ryan Fraser’s shot at the end of Lys Mousset’s driving run.

Leicester started poorly but were transformed after the break and Jamie Vardy poked in Islam Slimani’s knockdown early in the second half.

Vardy had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside nine minutes later as he stabbed in after Slimani’s blocked shot, while Slimani headed badly wide when found in space by a Riyad Mahrez free-kick with five minutes to play.

The Cherries – who finished 16th in their first Premier League campaign last year – end the season in ninth, while 2015-16 champions Leicester move down to 12th.

• Swansea City 2 – 1 West Bromwich Albion

Swansea City fought back from a goal down to beat West Brom on the final day of the Premier League season.

Having secured survival a week earlier, the hosts were in relaxed mood at a relieved Liberty Stadium but fell behind in the first half as Jonny Evans nodded in from a corner.

Swansea improved after the interval and equalised as Jordan Ayew headed his first goal for the club, before Fernando Llorente volleyed the winning goal with five minutes left.

A fourth win in five games lifts the Swans up to 15th in the Premier League table while a ninth match without victory means West Brom finish the campaign in 10th place.

Whereas the Baggies’ second-half decline was symptomatic of their fading fortunes at the end of the season, Swansea’s late revival was representative of their inspired run-in.

• Burnley 1 – 2 West Ham  United

West Ham ended their season with an away victory as they came from behind to beat Burnley at Turf Moor.

Burnley went ahead when Sam Vokes scored his 10th league goal of the season when he finished off Andre Gray’s low cross.

The hosts’ lead only lasted four minutes before Sofiane Feghouli netted to complete a fine move that also involved Edimilson Fernandes and Andre Ayew.

Ayew scored the winning goal with a close-range header after Tom Heaton had pushed Fernandes’ shot on to the crossbar.

The result means West Ham end the season in 11th place, missing out on a top-10 position on goal difference, while Burnley finish in 16th.

Preview: Arsenal Vs Everton

Arsenal’s disciplined and efficient performance against Bayern Munich in midweek has provided renewed optimism at the North London club. Confidence is flowing at the London club and the opening day defeat to West Ham seems like ages ago as they welcome Everton to the Emirates. Everton were well beaten by Manchester United last weekend in a game they lost 3-0. They face another difficult test when they travel to London to play Arsenal.

Roberto Martinez will hope his charges come up with a better performance in a game that they have not had too much success recently. The Merseyside club have won just once in the last 16 Premier League meeting between the sides with the Gunners recording nine victories in those meetings. Arsenal were starved of the ball for long periods in midweek against the German champions but Wenger will want his side to seize the initiative in this match. Arsenal ability to collapse and lose concentration is well documented and this Everton side will seek to capitalise on any such gifts. Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku will be the players Everton will hope turns up on the day if they are to get anything from the game.

Petr Cech has provided some much needed calmness to the Arsenal defence and already has seven clean sheets in his first 11 games. The veteran, who now has 167 clean sheets, is closing in on David James’ record of 169 clean sheets in the premier league and his recent form suggest that it is a record he is capable of beating in a matter of weeks. Olivier Giroud has found goals easy to come by in this fixture and has netted four goals in the last four meeting between the two teams. Wenger faces a selection headache and has to decide whether to bring in the French international or persist with Theo Walcott.

Team News

Arsenal

Aaron Ramsey suffered injury against Bayern in midweek and will be sidelined until after the next international break. Arteta is ruled out for the game against his former side after picking up an ankle injury in training. Gabriel Paulista is available for selection while Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck all have long term injuries. David Ospina is still sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Everton

Tom Cleverly and Steven Pienaar are available for selection after recovering from injuries.

Preview: Everton Vs Manchester United

At full-time against Arsenal, Louis Van Gaal couldn’t find reasons as to why his team had played badly in their first real test of the season. The decision to press high without actually winning the ball was brutally exposed and clinically punished by Arsenal. At Everton, he needs to find answers against a tricky Everton who have developed a habit of making life difficult for opponents. At the Emirates, the midfield was nonexistent and this left Chris Smalling and Danny Blind brutally exposed. Ross Barkley will be hoping for more of the same from Man United. The decision to play Schweinsteiger and Carrick together was wildly criticised and the manager will have to decide if he will stick with the same combination or make changes as they face a very competent Everton.

Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay have so far failed to match the expectations of fans. Depay could be forgiven for still trying to adapt to a new league but the performance of Rooney must surely be a huge source of concern to the Dutch manager. Van Gaal will therefore have to decide whether to remain patient and hope that his two star players hit top form or make changes.

Romelu Lukaku will fancy his chances against the United defence and will be buoyed by the fact that he is one of only four players to have scored a Premier League hat-trick against the Manchester side. It promises to be a very busy afternoon for the central defender if the Belgian hits top form this afternoon. Everton’s recent home form against United in the league has also been encouraging with three consecutive home wins but they have only won one game in their last six at home.

Team News

Everton

John Stones and Seamus Coleman are set to return in defence against United following their recoveries from knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Kevin Mirallas returns from a three match suspension while midfielder Tom Cleverly is also in contention to face his former club.

Manchester United

Wayne Rooney is available for selection after missing England’s games against Estonia and Lithuania during the international break due to an ankle problem. Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger have also recovered from injury but Ashley Young is ruled out.

Preview: Everton Vs Chelsea

There is something not right with this Chelsea side. The Blues defence has been uncharacteristically leaky often bearing gifts to oppositions who have had no problems taking advantage often times. The buzz generated by Pedro’s stellar premier league debut has since disappeared following a convincing Crystal Palace victory at the Bridge. Chelsea will look to kick-start their season yet again when they visit Everton at Goodison Park in the early kick off of the weekend.

The corresponding fixture last season ended 6-3 in favour of the defending Champions but Jose Mourinho will hope that his side are not as generous as they were last season. The usually stingy defence has shipped in 8 goals in their last 3 away league games. Former Chelsea man Romelu Lulaku will look to punish any defensive frailty on the part of his former club. Jose Mourinho has been unimpressed by the form of some of his key players, notably Eden Hazard. The Belgian superstar is on a 7 Premier League games goalscoring drought. His form will be crucial if Chelsea’s season is to be revived.

Chelsea have come out tops in 2 of the last 3 meetings between the sides at Goodison Park and have a superior record over their host in recent meetings. The London side boast of 5 victories in their last 6 meetings and will hope to continue their impressive run against Everton. Everton, however, have failed to score in their last 2 games but will surely fancy their chances if Chelsea maintain their new-found bad habits.

Team News

Everton

Aaron Lennon, Ramiro Funes Mori and Leandro Rodriguez are all available for selection while Tom Cleverly could be out for up to 2 months with an ankle ligament damage.

Chelsea

Asmir Begovic will start in goal after it was announced that Thibaut Courtois has a knee injury. John Terry is available again after serving a 1 match ban