Everton have confirmed the signing of Russia midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov from Lokomotiv Moscow for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old met with Toffees officials yesterday in Hamburg - he is permitted to enter Germany with a Russian passport without a visa - and signed a five-year contract. Bilyaletdinov will now return to his homeland to complete the formalities of a visa application to enter the UK.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of Diniyar," Everton chief executive Robert Elstone told the club's website. "I know David Moyes has wanted to bring him to Goodison for some time and we look forward to welcoming him."

Bilyaletdinov will not be eligible for Thursday's UEFA Europa League play-off second leg against Sigma Olomouc and is unlikely to be in England for Sunday's Premier League clash with Wigan.

He is due to in the UK early next month for Russia's 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifier against Wales and is expected to link up with his new team-mates for the first time ahead of the following weekend's trip to Fulham.

The 6ft 1in player has won 28 caps for his country and played in every game during last summer's memorable run to the UEFA Euro 2008 semi-finals under Guus Hiddink and he cannot wait to get started on his Everton career.

"I spoke to David Moyes yesterday and he told me he is looking forward to working with me - and I am looking forward to working with him," he said.

"It is a dream for me to be able to play in the Premier League. I know Everton is a big club and I cannot wait to get started and meet my new team-mates."

He continued: "It is a dream to play for Everton and I know that the Premier League is the best league in the world. I am looking forward to playing in the league and in the Europa League and helping Everton to win things.

"I know Everton has big players and a big history, and I know the club is 131 years old and has good traditions. I am very happy the deal is done and I hope to be at Everton soon. I am looking forward to doing my best for the team.

"I know about Everton's players and I know Jo from when he played in the Russian league. I also know that Andrei Kanchelskis played for Everton. Andrei is a hero for all people in Russia so I am very happy to know that he has played for a club like Everton.

"I have not spoken to my Russian team-mates yet but when I next go to the national training camp I will speak with (Andrey) Arshavin, (Yuri) Zhirkov and (Roman) Pavlyuchenko about what it is like in the Premier League. I can't wait to get going."