Fabian Delph's £10million transfer to Everton makes perfect sense in theory. International and Champions League experience, a proven Premier League level player - Delph brings a winning mentality and crucial versatility to an Everton side developing towards something (hopefully) special. It's an extremely sensible signing for a relatively low price.

However, Manchester City didn't need him, no top six club inquired as to his availability and he hardly played last season. Is Delph really the player to take Everton to the next level? Will he add anything more than squad depth? Who gets the better of this deal?

Why it's a very good deal for Everton

Everton want to break into the top six. The best way to do this is by signing world class superstars, which is something they can't afford to do.

The next best way is signing players on the cusp of that elite level and coaching them to hit it. Youngsters are inconsistent, can fail to reach potential if their confidence is dented, and need the influence of role models to guide them towards their maximum. Enter: one-time England captain Delph.

Delph was the left-back for the Premier League's record points winning team, playing 22 times there in the 2017/18 season for City, and joins serial winners Lucas Digne (La Liga and Ligue 1 winner) and Andre Gomes (La Liga and Primeira Liga winner) in the Everton dressing room. His statistics from 2017/18 paint him as one of the better full-backs in the league that season, though more defensive than attacking and more likely to pass short than send in crosses.