London  - Everton confirmed on Tuesday that they have signed Russia international Diniyar Bilyaletdinov from Lokomotiv Moscow for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old creative midfielder met with Everton officials in Hamburg - Russians can travel to Germany without a visa - on Monday and agreed personal terms.

He is not eligible for Everton's Europe League play-off second match against Sigma Olomouc on Thursday, and it is unlikely he will be available for Sunday's Premier League game against Wigan Athletic.

He is due in the UK for Russia's World Cup qualifier against Wales the following week, and should be available for the Premier League against Fulham the week after that.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of Diniyar," Everton chief executive Robert Elstone told the club's website.

"I know David Moyes has wanted to bring him to Goodison for some time and we look forward to welcoming him." (dpa)