Watford sign Cleverley for £8m from Everton as midfielder signs five-year deal following a successful loan spell

Watford have completed the permanent signing of Tom Cleverley from Everton for £8million, following the midfielder's successful loan spell at Vicarage Road.
The 27-year-old, who has made eight appearances in his second spell at the club, has signed a five-year-deal with Walter Mazzarri's side beginning on July 1.

But the club have decided to complete the deal regardless, following talks during the international break.

'I'm delighted,' Cleverley told watfordfc.com. 'I think I made it clear I had feelings for the club when I came down here on loan and it was always the view to sign a permanent deal, so I'm over the moon.

'I felt part of the club from day one of the loan but now I really feel this is home and hopefully it is for a very long time.'

Cleverley only joined Everton on a permanent deal in July 2015. But having struggled to cement his place under new manager Ronald Koeman in the first half of this season, the England international midfielder returned to Vicarage Road in January.

The 27-year-old has been a regular under Mazzarri since signing on loan. And during a previous spell at the club during the 2009/10 season, Cleverley made 33 appearances and was named their player of the season.

Watford CEO Scott Duxbury said: 'We're very pleased to secure Tom's signature. I believe it's a sign of our ambition to recruit the highest calibre of player for Watford.

'Tom's affinity with the club and supporters has been very clear from the moment he returned, and we now look forward to seeing him in a Watford shirt for many years to come.'

Following a positive first half-season under Mazarri, Watford have struggled in recent months. Three defeats in four league matches have seen them side have slide down the table. They currently sit 14th, seven points clear of the drop zone.