Everton sign goalkeeper Pickford, midfielder Klaassen

English football club Everton has announced the signings of attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen from Ajax and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford from Sunderland.

While Dutch international Klassen was on Thursday signed for a transfer fee of 27 million euros ($30.17 million), Everton paid Sunderland 25 million pound ($31.92 million). Both the players have been contracted for five years.

"I've walked around the training ground and talked with a few people and it feels good. I spoke a few weeks ago with Ronald Koeman about Everton," Klaassen said in a statement posted on Everton website.

"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."

Klaassen, 24-year-old, had been associated with Ajax since his boyhood days and was the captain of the club for the last two years and led them to the Europa Cup final this season where they eventually lost to Manchester United. Klaassen scored 49 goals in his 163 appearances for the Dutch club.

"The moment that I spoke with the coach 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," Klassen said.

"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," he added.

Pickford's move to Everton saw him become the most expensive British goalkeeper ever, with Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon and Manchester City's Ederson the only two custodians purchased for higher transfer fees in the history of football.

Pickford said: "Last season was my first in the English 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 with Everton is unbelievable.

"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."

Pickford has played for England at every level from Under-16 to Under-21,hopes to break into the senior side through his club performances. He will also get his first taste of European football when Everton embark upon their Europa League campaign.

--IANS

pur/vt