Chelsea have announced that they have signed Everton midfielder Ross Barkley on a five-and-a-half-year contract.
Late on Thursday, reports emerged that Chelsea were closing in on a player whom they had almost signed during the final hours of the summer window, with Barkley preferring to wait on a move until he had recovered from a hamstring injury.
However, with the England international having now returned to training, Chelsea have pressed ahead with the transfer, which is said to be for a fee of £15m plus add-ons.
The 24-year-old told the club's official website: "I'm overwhelmed, I'm looking forward to it and I'm really excited to get started.
"To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it's unbelievable for me. I'm looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game."
Barkley leaves Everton having scored a total of 27 goals in 179 appearances in all competitions during a period in which he has also won 22 caps for England.
The player will not be available to feature in Chelsea'a FA Cup tie with Norwich City on Saturday evening.
Darren Plant
