Koeman backs record signing Sigurdsson to boost Everton attack

Sigurdsson signed a five-year contract after the two clubs agreed a fee, which British media reported to be around 45 million pounds.

(Reuters)

The 27-year-old, who underwent a medical on Wednesday morning, played a key part in Swansea avoiding relegation last season, scoring nine goals and 13 assists.

"We worked a long time to get this deal in and he was one of the key players to bring in," Koeman told a news conference before the Europa League first-leg playoff against Croatian side Hajduk Split on Thursday.

"We knew we would lose (Romelu) Lukaku for this season and we need players who bring productivity to the team."

Lukaku moved to Manchester United last month, for a reported transfer fee of 75 million pounds.

Sigurdsson "is the type of player with a lot of productivity," Koeman said. "In my opinion, he is one of the best in the Premier League."

The Iceland international is Everton’s eighth new signing of the close season and he is eager to repay Koeman's faith in him.

"Hopefully I will continue to create goals and score goals for the team and contribute to the kind of success we’re seeking at the club,” he told evertontv.

"This is an ambitious club and it is clear we are moving in a really good direction. The most important thing is that this team keeps winning games and climbing the table - and does that throughout the season."

The manager also confirmed he is still waiting to find out the extent of a hamstring injury midfielder Ross Barkley suffered in training last week.

Barkley, who is in the final year of his contract, refused a new deal at the club and Koeman said last month he would be sold in the current transfer window.

"He stopped training last Monday," Koeman said. "It looks like a hamstring injury, but he needs to do more tests today and tomorrow to know exactly what the injury is."

Following their Europa League encounter at Goodison Park, Everton visit Manchester City in the league on Monday.

(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru,; Additional reporting by Toby Davis, Editing by Larry King and Pritha Sarkar)