Marcel Brands is heading to the Premier League with Everton

Everton have confirmed the appointment of PSV director of football Marcel Brands to a similar role at Goodison Park.

The 56-year-old takes up the role formerly occupied by Steve Walsh, who has left the club less than two years after his appointment.

Brands has a reputation for developing players and was seen as an integral part of PSV's run of three Eredivisie titles in the last four seasons.

He had joined PSV in 2010 after successful spells with RKC Waalwijk and AZ Alkmaar, where he worked alongside Louis van Gaal.

"It is a privilege to be joining Everton as Director of Football and I am incredibly excited to take on this challenge," said Brands.

"The fantastic passion of the fans for their club, the magnificent history of the club over the years and the ambition and purpose we have as people tasked with driving the club forward all mean that we need to be competing for honours against the Premier League elite.

"It is no straightforward challenge but this must be our motivation each and every day.

Steve Walsh has left Everton after the appointment of Marcel Brands

"I am looking forward to working with Farhad Moshiri and Chairman Bill Kenwright, whom I thank for entrusting me with this role and responsibility, and I am also looking forward to working with the Board of Directors and with our new CEO, Denise Barrett-Baxendale. I know we have very committed people here who want only the best for Everton.

"It is only a challenge such as this which could have persuaded me to leave PSV where I am indebted to the many people whose collective effort led to some great achievements.

"Now we will look to build something really strong and lasting here at Everton."