Darron Gibson: 'Wayne Rooney influenced Everton move'

Darron Gibson has claimed that former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney convinced him to join Everton.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Goodison Park on Friday.

Rooney played for the Everton senior side for two years before his high-profile move to United in 2004.

"Wayne just told me it was a great club," Gibson told Evertontv.

"He told me he really enjoyed his time here. He really enjoyed the people here and the players were great as well.

"I think having a word with him and having a word with people like Tim Cahill and Phil Neville just convinced me the decision was right to come."

The Toffees travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.