Tom Cleverley to Everton: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley completed a transfer move to Everton on Friday, signing a five-year contract with the Toffees, as reported by the club on Twitter.  

Manager Roberto Martinez spoke to what Cleverley will provide for his new squad, per the club's official website:

"

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.

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 his best years just ahead of him.

At the age of 25 and a player who is representing his country, Tom has experienced winning trophies and having big roles in demanding teams. Having worked with him previously, I know the type of character he is and I know that, with the Everton fans’ support, we will get a very special footballer joining our already exciting team.

It says a lot also, when someone like Tom is available on a free transfer and he can pick his next club out of many options home and abroad, that he has chosen to play for our football club. That’s the perfect start to his career here at Everton.

"

Manchester United bid farewell to Cleverley, "#mufc would like to wish Tom Cleverley the best of luck for the future as he prepares to join Everton on 1 July."

The 25-year-old spent the 2014-15 season out on loan with Aston Villa after several unsuccessful seasons at Old Trafford, as the Mancunians gave him the chance to prove he could still be a productive Premier League footballer and earn a contract offer during the summer.

He initially struggled under Paul Lambert, but when Tim Sherwood replaced the former as Villa manager, Cleverley found his form again and flashed glimpses of the potential that once had the Red Devils salivating.

ESPN FC's Andy Mitten liked the progression Cleverley showed under Sherwood:

Injuries and inconsistency have derailed what was once a promising career, but Cleverley is far from finished. He played some of his best football at Villa Park and proved he can still be a very good player for a midtable club.

The Times' James Ducker reminded fans one of the reasons he didn't make the cut at Old Trafford was former manager David Moyes' insistence to play him in a more defensive role, and once Sherwood set him free, he shone:

Everton had a disappointing season in 2014-15, and Martinez's men will be looking to bounce back in 2015-16 and challenge for a spot in the Europa League. Cleverley may not be an immediate impact starter, but he has the versatility to be a very solid depth option across the midfield, something the Toffees can surely use.

Health will always be a question mark, but as a free agent, it's hard to find any faults with this signing. If Cleverley can play the way he did during his final months at Villa, Everton will be more than pleased with offering the former England international a contract.