OFFICIAL: Everton confirm signing of Ashley Williams from Swansea

Everton have confirmed the signing of Swansea captain Ashley Williams on a three-year contract.

Williams becomes Everton's second outfield signing of the summer following the arrival of Idrissa Gueye from Aston Villa.The fee is officially undisclosed is believed to be in excess of £10million

Ronald Koeman was keen to strengthen his defence before the start of the season with his search intensifying following John Stones' £47.5m departure to Manchester City.

The Toffees backline was notoriously leaky under Roberto Martinez last season so the arrival of Williams brings some much needed organisation, solidity and leadership.

Williams has been a key figure in Swansea's rise from League One to the Premier League since joining from Stockport for £300,000 in 2008.

The Swans were reluctant to let their influential captain go and initially rejected Everton's opening bid. However, Williams was keen on a move to Goodison Park so the Swans didn't stand in his way when the Toffees returned with a fresh offer.

The 31-year-old has also won 65 caps for Wales and captained the team during their remarkable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His arrival, along with the signing of Gueye, is a major boost to the Toffees with the season opener against Tottenham just days away.

Supporters were beginning to get concerned at the lack of new faces but the hope is that this deal will kick-off a busy week of transfer activity.