Everton complete Johnson capture

Johnson scored 21 goals in Palace's 2004-05 Premiership season

Everton have smashed their club record transfer fee by finalising the £8.6m capture of Crystal Palace's England striker Andrew Johnson.

The fee beats their previous record of £6m paid by boss David Moyes to bring James Beattie from Southampton.

Everton confirmed on Tuesday that Johnson, 25, had passed a medical and he will be unveiled at a news conference on Wednesday.

He told the club website: "Hopefully I can score goals for Everton."

Johnson, who is on World Cup standby duty for England, added: "I'm looking forward to giving 110% in every game I play."

The former Birmingham striker will be involved in England's friendly with Hungary on Tuesday but will be released from the squad on Wednesday to attend his unveiling.

Johnson is expected to be Everton's highest-paid player, having agreed a four-year deal worth £40,000 a week.

I believe Everton will afford me the best opportunity to fulfil my twin ambitions Everton striker Andy Johnson

Palace will get more than £5m up front from the Premiership side for Johnson who is likely to form Everton's strike partnership with his close friend Beattie next season.

A bidding war for the services of Johnson had taken place during the last two weeks, with Wigan and Bolton also having bids accepted.

But the former Birmingham star decided his heart was set on a move to Merseyside.

He added: "I find the prospect of playing for one of the biggest names in British football impossible to resist.

"I believe Everton will afford me the best opportunity to fulfil my twin ambitions of winning major honours and representing England again at senior level."

Johnson met with Wigan boss Paul Jewell and chairman Dave Whelan last Friday, while Bolton were also keen to hold talks with the player who netted 21 goals in the 2004-05 Premiership season.

"I would like to thank both Wigan and Bolton, firstly for having sufficient faith in my abilities to lodge a bid and secondly for being so courteous and professional during the course of our negotiations," Johnson added.

The striker is currently on standby for the England World Cup squad and involved in the two warm-up games against Hungary and Jamaica this week.