Rafael Benitez makes Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic first Everton signings

 

Everton have signed former England winger Andros Townsend and Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

The 30-year-old Townsend was available on a free transfer after his deal at Crystal Palace expired at the end of last season and has signed a two-year contract.

The Toffees then brought in experienced goalkeeper Begovic to provide extra competition for first choice Jordan Pickford. The 34-year-old has signed a 12-month deal with the option of a further year.

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The two signings are Everton’s first since the appointment of Rafael Benitez as manager.

Townsend, who previously played under Benitez during a brief spell at Newcastle five years ago, told Everton TV: “I think everyone knows what Everton is. It’s a massive football club, it’s very ambitious, a club which has been trying to get back to where it belongs into Europe and beyond.

“I’ll be doing all I can to help the club do that. As the old cliche goes, it was a no-brainer.”

Rafael Benitez coached Andros Townsend at Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA).

Townsend, who has 13 England caps, rose through the Tottenham youth systems to become a star.

He came to Newcastle in 2016, however after the club's relegation from the Premier League later that year, he left for Palace, where he spent five seasons.

“After 5 fantastic years and innumerable memories, it's time to say my farewell to everyone at Crystal Palace,” Townsend tweeted.

In his tweet on Twitter,

“I'd like to express my gratitude to the chairman for bringing me to Selhurst Park and allowing me to wear the red and blue, to Sam (Allardyce) and Roy (Hodgson) for their faith in me, and to my teammates for the memorable times we shared on the pitch.

“To the Palace supporters. The club's pulsating heart. Greetings to each and every one of you... Thank you very much. Thank you for all of your support; it is because of you that the club and Selhurst Park are what they are.

“It's a shame we didn't get to say our goodbyes properly, but we'll see each other again soon enough, and I'm already planning on returning to Selhurst when we do. There's a star-man playing on the right until next time.”

Begovic is an experienced keeper (John Walton/PA)

Former Stoke and Chelsea keeper Begovic has made 252 Premier League appearances in his career. He joined Bournemouth for £10million in 2017 and, although his spell on the south coast was punctuated by loan spells at FK Qarabag and AC Milan, he was restored as first choice in the Championship last season.

The Bosnian, who has 63 international caps, intends to push Pickford for a place.

He said: “I think the goalkeeping group here is fantastic. We’re going to push each other every single day and set those standards in training.

“I’m definitely here to compete and to try to help this team in any way I can.”