LONDON: Everton have confirmed Ronald Koeman as new manager in succession to Roberto Martinez who was sacked just before the end of the season.

The Dutchman has signed a three-year deal after the Toffees paid £5m to obtain his release from Southampton along with his assistants – his brother Erwin Koeman and fitness coach Jan Kluitenberg.

Chairman Bill Kenwright told the club’s official website: “We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our No1 target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.

“Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager.

“The hopes and aspirations that we all have as Evertonians are with him, as is our total support at board, shareholder and fan level.”

Koeman said: “I am very excited to be Everton manager. I believe in the Club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future.

“Everton are a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the Chairman and Farhad Moshiri.”

Frank De Boer is the early favourite to step into Koeman’s shoes at Southampton.

Having left Ajax at the end of last season, De Boer is immediately available and has long made it clear that he would like to manage in the Premier League.

Manuel Pellegrini, also out of work having departed Manchester City last month, and Fenerbahce’s Portuguese coach, Vitor Pereira, are other possible contenders along with David Moyes.

#########