“I spoke to David Moyes and he told me he is looking forward to working with me – and I am looking forward to working with him,” said Bilyaletdinov

“It is a dream to play for Everton and I know that the Premier League is the best league in the world. I am looking forward to playing in the league and in the Europa League and helping Everton to win things.

“I know Everton has big players and a big history with good traditions. I am very happy the deal is done and I hope to be at Everton soon. I am looking forward to doing my best for the team.

“I have not spoken to my Russian team-mates yet but when I next go to the national training camp I will speak with (Andrey) Arshavin, (Yuri) Zhirkov and (Roman) Pavlyuchenko about what it is like in the Premier League. I can’t wait to get going.”

Everton are hopeful they will be able to add to Bilyaletdinov’s signing with Distin in the next 24 hours. A fee of £5m has been agreed with Portsmouth and once personal terms are thrashed out, he will sign on the dotted line.

Meanwhile, Joleon Lescott finally completed his £22m move to Manchester City last night.

The move had been held up by agents’ issues but were resolved last night and Lescott will be presented to the media today.