Tom Cleverley boosted by familiar faces at Everton

Tom Cleverley has told the club's official website he believes the familiar faces at the club will make settling in much easier.

The former Manchester United man officially joined up with the Blues on Wednesday after they secured his signature last month.

He has previously worked with a number of faces in Roberto Martinez's squad, having enjoyed a relationship with James McCarthy during their time at Wigan, and linking up with the likes of Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Ross Barkley on international duty.

He even has a one-time Manchester United pal in Darron Gibson, and says that the number of familiar faces for him at Goodison Park will make settling in much easier.

"James [McCarthy] is a top player," Cleverley exclusively told evertontv. "I always knew he would be from when I played with him at Wigan.

"Having said that, there's not only James, there are plenty of the other lads here who I have played with for England and Manchester United, so hopefully that will help me settle in quickly."

While few are expecting Cleverley to come in and hit the ground running, it is certainly a comfort to know he won't need the usual settling in period you have to give to new players, with him enjoying a relationship with both manager and players.

Hopefully that relationship can help him to replicate the kind of form he showed under Tim Sherwood at Aston Villa in the second half of last season.