Tom Cleverley has dealt a blow to Tim Sherwood’s rebuilding plans at Aston Villa by agreeing to join Everton on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Villa Park from Manchester United and Sherwood had been keen to secure the midfielder’s services on a permanent basis. Everton, however, have agreed a five-year contract with Cleverley and he will officially join the Goodison Park club on 1 July once his United contract has expired.

The Everton manager, Roberto Martínez, has pursued the player since last summer, when United refused to sanction his season-long loan to Goodison. The pair worked together at Wigan Athletic in the 2010-11 season when Cleverley scored four goals in 25 appearances while on loan.

CONFIRMED: Everton to sign Tom Cleverley on a five-year deal from 1 July. More here: http://t.co/Sjw5SG0Nbb #EFC — Everton (@Everton) June 5, 2015

Martínez believes the England international, who enjoyed a strong second half to the season under Sherwood, can flourish in a more advanced midfield role and provide the creativity that Everton sorely lacked last term.

Cleverley, who has won 13 England caps, is understood to have had a medical at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground on Friday in preparation for becoming their first signing of the summer.

He last played for Villa in the 4-0 defeat by Arsenal in the FA Cup final.