Top 5: Premier League signings of the January transfer window

Morgan Schneiderlin to Everton

Everton confirmed the signing of midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin from Manchester United on a four-and-a-half-year deal at Goodison Park, in a deal worth £20m.

The Toffees are solid defensively whether it be a four or five at the back formation in which manager Ronald Koeman uses.

The signing of Schneiderlin will give Everton that extra bit of quality lacking in the defensive midfield position. Also, there is now opportunity for Koeman to rest and rotate his defensive midfielders, such as the ever present Gareth Barry, the exciting young prospect of Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye, when back from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Frenchman is a high-quality player, and will be a major asset for Everton, with his superb defensive qualities and broad passing range. Given that Everton have been heavily reliant on the always consistent Gareth Barry, having another player who is defensively capable and strong on the ball will be a real boost to the Toffees.

Schneiderlin will hope to rejuvenate his career in Everton colours. The Toffees’ midfield should become more solid defensively with the signing, and strong partnerships will start to form with the likes of Ross Barkley, Davies and Gueye.