Everton secure deal for Jagielka

Utility player Jagielka has even played in goal

Everton have signed Sheffield United midfielder Phil Jagielka for £4m.

The 24-year-old signed a five-year deal just one day after the Blades' appeal over their relegation to the Championship was dismissed.

Jagielka had a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Bramall Lane if his club went down.

"When I played here last season the fans were fantastic and hopefully I'll get to run out sooner rather than later," he told Everton's website.

Wigan and Bolton had also been linked to Jagielka, who was released by Everton as a youngster.

606: DEBATE I'm so worried about our numbers for next season - but at least Jags can play everywhere TB

Blades chairman Terry Robinson said in June that if the club were not reinstated to the Premiership then Jagielka would "invoke the clause in his contract".

On Tuesday, Sheffield United's bid for West Ham to be docked points was dismissed.

An arbitration panel upheld the Premier League's decision not to dock the Hammers points over the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

Sheffield United launched an appeal after they went down on the last day of the season and West Ham stayed up.

Jagielka impressed as a substitute for England B against Albania.

His versatility appeals to Everton boss David Moyes, having figured with distinction at right-back, in central defence and in midfield for the Blades.

He even gave an heroic performance in goal for Sheffield United in their 1-0 win against Arsenal at Bramall Lane in December.

Jagielka added: "The manager was keen to sign me and that is always a nice sign.

"He has done fantastically well here and it is a fantastic club.

"Being in Europe, where we belong, and his pull to bring me here were massive reasons."