Everton complete signing of forward Nikola Vlasic from Hajduk Split

Everton have signed forward Nikola Vlasic from Hajduk Split on a five-year deal.

Vlasic, 19, who has penned a contract until 2022 at Goodison Park, becomes Everton's ninth signing of the summer, with the Toffees paying a fee of £8 million, which could rise to £10m.

The Croatia international came up against Everton in the Europa League earlier this month and he is looking forward to embarking on his new challenge.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to play for this big club," he told Everton's official website. "The Premier League is the best league in the world and this is one of the top clubs in England. It is such a big honour for me to be here.

"When I heard that Everton were interested in me, I knew straight away I wanted to come here. Whenever someone called my manager or my father, I told them I only wanted to come to Everton.

"The ambition of the club is to ultimately play in the Champions League and I want to help achieve that goal. I believe in myself and in this team -- I think we can do great things together."

Everton manager Ronald Koeman added: "We are very happy to bring Nikola to the club as he is one of the big young talents in Europe.

"He showed that quality when we played Hajduk in the Europa League and he is only 19, so he will develop. Nikola is one of those players who can play a big part in Everton's future and in what we want to achieve as a club."

Vlasic, who racked up 120 appearances and 13 goals for Hajduk, will wear the No. 27 at Everton.

Information from the Press Association was used in this report.