Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka on Wednesday became Everton's first summer signing when he penned a five-year deal.
The 24-year-old's £4million move comes just one day after the Blades' appeal over their relegation to the Championship was dismissed. Jagielka had a clause in his contract allowing him to leave if the club went down.
'When I played here last season the fans were fantastic and hopefully I'll get to run out sooner rather than later,' he told Everton's website.
Middlesbrough, Wigan and Bolton were all interested in signing Jagielka, but the player made it clear from the start that Everton were his first choice, and the deal has only been held up while Sheffield United have been engaged in their legal battle with the Premier League.
Jagielka was on Everton's books as a schoolboy, and, after being rejected, he has been with Sheffield United ever since. He made 287 appearances for the Bramall Lane club, scoring 22 goals.
Everton manager David Moyes said: 'We have been trying to get Phil in for most of the summer.
'We are delighted to have got him in the end. He will bring competition for places and versatility. He is a good addition to our squad and we hope to add one or two more before the start of the season.'
