Everton have swung in and sign Arouna Kone from Wigan on a three-year deal.
Merseyside rivals Liverpool were beaten to the signing of the Wigan striker after both side show interest in the Ivory Coast hitman.
The Ivory Coast striker, reunited
with former Latics boss Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park, for a fee
believed to be around £5m.
Everton have been among the frontrunners to land the talented striker following Wigan’s relegation last season, with Liverpool and Newcastle also showing interest in the 29-year-old.
Both Everton and Newcastle were reported to have had bids accepted last week, but the Magpies later ruled themselves out of the running.
This make Kone, Martinez’s first signing as Everton Manager after succeding David Moyes
Martinez, who has said he wants to bring more new faces to Goodison Park this summer, is also believed to be interested in Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu.