Everton have completed the signing of Belgian forward Kevin Mirallas on a four-year deal from Greek side Olympiakos. The transfer fee has not been disclosed, although it has been confirmed he will wear jersey number 11.

Everton Sign Kevin Mirallas from Olympiakos
Reuters

The 24-year-old has signed too late to appear in the club's opening game of the season, at home to Manchester United on 20 August, because the deal was announced after the 12pm Friday deadline. Mirallas was also reported to be a transfer target for Arsenal and earlier reports indicated the Belgian would have preferred a move to the Emirates. Speaking to Everton's official website, though, Mirallas said he was pleased with how the situation developed.

"I am very happy because Everton is a big club and for me it's a very good opportunity. I've known Everton have been following me for a while and after talking with the manager I decided coming to Everton was the best opportunity for me. I know this is a great club with great supporters and a club that has the ability to win a lot of games in the Premier League. That's why I came," he said.

Naismith Keen to Play

Meanwhile, the Goodison Park club's other striker signing of the summer, Steven Naismith, has admitted he is hopeful of being picked for the game against United and eager to show what he can do.

"It's a big game against Man U and that's what you sign up for. I want to be involved. Hopefully the manager has been impressed with me and that will help me stake a claim for a starting place. We have a good side, full of quality players - but the squad is not so big that I won't get my chance. That played a big part in persuading me to leave Rangers. Also playing with better players will help me improve," Naismith told the Daily Record.

The 25-year-old was full of praise for his new club and thanked them for helping him settle. He also said that he hoped to forge a winning partnership with his former Rangers team-mate Nikica Jelavić.

"Our captain Phil Neville is a great pro and a brilliant person. Joining a big club can be daunting but he made it easier for me as did Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman. I have settled in no problem. There is a togetherness here and similarities with the dressing-room at Rangers. Nikica was a part of that at Ibrox and now he is at Goodison. We've been playing together quite a bit and it has worked well. It is good for my confidence," Naismith concluded.

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