Everton complete Romelu Lukaku loan swoop

Everton have won their battle with West Brom to sign Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on a season-long loan.

England international midfielder Gareth Barry has also joined the Goodison Park outfit for the season, arriving on a temporary deal from Manchester City.

Lukaku was expected to be a part of Jose Mourinho's first team squad this season but the arrival of Samuel Eto'o on a free transfer saw his first-team opportunities limited.

Roberto Martinez has been the beneficiary after pulling off the surprise move, despite late interest from West Brom where the 20-year-old spent last season on loan - scoring an impressive 17 Premier League goals.

Lukaku was evidently torn over what to do next after West Brom’s last-minute attempt to hijack the proposed loan move to Everton.

The Belgium striker was already dismayed at being told he could leave on another temporary transfer less than a week after apparently receiving assurances that he would spend the season at Stamford Bridge.

However, he decided to follow his close advisers' advice and stick with the original plan of joining the Toffees and confirmed the move via Twitter: 'Signed Everton on a season loan :-)'

Everton also expected to announced the loan signing of Barry late on Monday night.

The Goodison club have been in negotiations with City over a loan deal for Barry for the last few weeks but the deal looked to have hit the rocks over the England midfielder's wage demands.

However, Marouane Fellaini's last-minute transfer to Manchester United freed up funds for Martinez and he was able to secure deals for both Barry and Wigan midfielder James McCarthy - who has arrived in a £13million deal.

Adapted from Daily Mail