Everton sign Allan in £22m transfer from Napoli with Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez imminent

Allan is reunited with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti

Allan joins Everton after a successful spell with Napoli (Reuters)

Everton have completed the signing of Napoli midfielder Allan for £22m, reuniting the Brazilian with his former manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The 29-year-old is Everton’s first signing of the summer and is expected to be joined by Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and another of Ancelotti’s former players, the Real Madrid and Colombia star James Rodriguez, as the club reshapes their midfield. 

Allan, who has signed a three-year contract, is in the mould of deep-lying destroyer but also has the energy to press high up the pitch an win the ball in advanced positions for his team. 

"A strong part of my game is marking and the desire going in to win absolutely every ball," he said. "I believe with my desire I can put in really good performances to win the fans over. I received a lot of messages from Everton fans and that made me really happy and confident in the work I can do here."

Allan paid tribute to Ancelotti, whom he said did “everything possible” to sign him.

"I hope, like I have done in my entire career, I contribute with my performances together with my team-mates and that I put in some great games, great performances and win important things.

"It is a club with a rich history in the Premier League, has real ambition and then there is 'Professor' Ancelotti. It is the size of the club and the name of the coach which means you don't think twice about coming to Everton."

Everton begin the season on Sunday 13 September at Tottenham.