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          Yannick Bolasie joins Everton from Crystal Palace on five-year deal

          • ESPN staffAug 15, 2016, 08:46 AM ET

          Everton have completed the signing of Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee.

          Sources told ESPN FC last week that Everton were closing in on a £25 million deal and Bolasie, 27, has now signed a five-year deal at Goodison Park.

          "I'm looking forward to putting on the Everton shirt," Bolasie told evertontv. "This is a big club and I know all about it from having played against them over the years.

          "For me, it was a no-brainer to come here. But now that I've come to Everton, the job is not done. I've got to work hard and feel my way in. I'm ready and up for the challenge."

          Everton have already moved to strengthen the squad this summer, bringing in players including Ashley Williams and Idrissa Gueye, while Ronald Koeman was brought in as manager to replace Roberto Martinez.

          Bolasie, who had joined Palace from Bristol City in 2012, added: "It's not about the money for me. It's about looking at the ambition of the club and where they are trying to get to. I just like to play football.

          "I just like to play football and it's going to be really interesting to learn from someone like Ronald Koeman, who was obviously a top centre-back as a player and he played with some of the best players in the world.

          "The club has made good signings, players like Ashley Williams who I know well -- and I know that I've joined a club that not only has lots of quality players but one that produces lots of quality players, like Ross Barkley, as well.

          "This season is going to be very interesting and I'm looking forward to being part of it here at Everton."

          Koeman said he is excited by Bolasie's arrival.

          The Dutchman said: "Yannick is a player who has been a long time on my radar because he's the type of winger I like -- fast, strong and he can play different positions in the forward line. He's a really good signing for the club.

          "At 27, he's a good age and he has experience in the Premier League. He will give strength to the team and I'm very pleased to have Yannick as part of what we are trying to build here at Everton."

          Speaking after the deal was completed, Palace boss Alan Pardew told his club's official website: "We are very sorry to lose Yannick. He has played a massive part in the success of the club since he joined four years ago and it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye.

          "He has been a pleasure to work with and a true professional around the team, with an infectious personality which we will miss around the club. Nonetheless this is a move that Yannick was keen to make and we have agreed a deal with Everton. He has been an iconic figure at Selhurst Park and we thank him for his contribution."

          Pardew had already confirmed that he expected Bolasie to leave Selhurst Park but indicated that he expects to bring in a replacement.