Everton move late for Standard's Fellaini

(CNN) -- Premier League Everton revealed on Tuesday the club record signing of Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini on a five-year deal from Standard Liege.

The Premier League club said the fee for the 20-year-old was an initial £15 million ($27 million).

"This is fantastic news for everyone connected with the club," acting Everton chief executive Robert Elstone told the Associated Press.

"We have signed one of European football's most exciting prospects, who will have a huge part to play at Everton over the next five years."

Everton manager David Moyes left it to the last week of the transfer window to bid to improve the squad which claimed fifth place in the Premier League last season, also securing the services of striker Louis Saha from Manchester United and Wigan's goalkeeper Carlo Nash.

Fellaini scored 11 goals in 84 appearances for the Belgian champions.

He has played 10 times for Belgium and also represented his country at the Beijing Olympics, where he was sent off in the opening game for two yellow cards against Brazil, but generally impressed during the tournament.

Standard Liege, who were narrrowly beaten by Everton's Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, have been paired with Everton in the first round of the UEFA Cup this month.

Felliani, who played in the Liverpool tie, will be ineligible to play for Everton against his old club.

West Ham have announced they have signed Italian striker David Di Michele and Congolese left-back Herita Ilunga, with both deals subject to registration by the Premier League.

The news comes after the transfer window deadline and in a statement on the club's official Web site, the Hammers acknowledged "the lateness of this announcement", blaming administrative issues.

Both players have been brought in on year-long loans with a view to making their deals permanent, while the club are also continuing to talk to free agent Stephen Appiah over a move to Upton Park.

The club statement read: "The club recognise the lateness of this announcement but certain formalities including the release of international transfer certificates had to be completed. "West Ham can also confirm discussions with Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah are ongoing."

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