Versatile Jagielka joins Everton

Everton FC have signed Phil Jagielka from relegated Sheffield United FC in a €6m transfer that could yet take Scotland full-back Gary Naysmith in the opposite direction.

Mr Versatile
Jagielka, a versatile England B international who played at right-back, centre-back, in central midfield and even as an emergency goalkeeper for Sheffield United, returns to Everton, where he was an associated schoolboy, on a five-year contract. The 24-year-old made 254 league appearances for the Sheffield team. Everton manager David Moyes said: "We are delighted to have got him in the end. He will bring competition for places and versatility."

Case closed
Jagielka arrives at Goodison Park following the decision on Tuesday of an independent tribunal to confirm United's relegation from the Premier League. The Yorkshire club had argued that West Ham United FC should have been deducted points for fielding ineligible players and therefore demoted in their place. As part of the deal for Jagielka, Everton defender Naysmith, 28, is expected to move to Bramall Lane, bringing to an end his seven-year stay on Merseyside. Finally, Everton goalkeeper Richard Wright, 29, has joined West Ham on a free transfer.