Ronald Koeman to Everton: Dutchman joins Toffees from Southampton on three-year deal

The 53-year-old replaces Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park after two years at St Mary's

Ronald Koeman posted a picture with an Everton shirt on his Twitter account following the official announcement (Twitter: @RonaldKoeman)

Everton have confirmed the appointment of manager Ronald Koeman on a three-year contract after agreeing a £5m compensation package with Southampton.

The Dutchman, who replaces Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park, has led Southampton to seventh and sixth-place finishes in the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League in the previous two seasons.

Farhad Moshiri, Everton's new major shareholder, has promised a new era in Merseyside with considerable investment expected to be poured into the first-team this summer.

Former Ajax, Valencia and Benfica manager Koeman has been promised the biggest transfer bounty in the club's history after beating Frank de Boer, Manuel Pellegrini and Unai Emery to the post. Erwin Koeman and Jan Kluitenberg, his assistants, will also join.

Although his release from Southampton was secured over a week ago the completion of the deal was held up by the fact the Dutchman was on holiday.

Speaking to the club's official website on Tuesday morning, Koeman said: “I am very excited to be Everton manager. I believe in the club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future.

“Everton is a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the Chairman and Farhad Moshiri.

“I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the Club and to preparing for a big season in the Premier League.”

Chairman Bill Kenwright added: “We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our No.1 target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.

“Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager.

“The hopes and aspirations that we all have as Evertonians are with him, as is our total support at Board, shareholder and fan level.”