Everton sign French forward Barry from Villarreal

Everton have signed French forward Thierno Barry from LaLiga side Villarreal on a four-year contract, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

Financial details of the signing were not disclosed but British media reported the deal is worth about 27 million pounds ($36.68 million).

The 22-year-old Barry played for France's under-21 team at this year's European Championship, where they reached the semi-finals. He joined Villarreal last year from Swiss club Basel, scoring 11 goals in 35 LaLiga appearances.

"I had good conversations with the manager (David Moyes). He told me I have the quality to play in the Premier League ... For me, it is a dream to play in the Premier League," Barry said in a statement.

"When the manager (Moyes) came last season, I think he changed a little bit the team and I feel this and the new stadium, I think the club comes with a new ambition, so I want to play my part in that."

Everton, who will move into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium for the start of next season, begin their league campaign at promoted Leeds United on August 18.

($1 = 0.7361 pounds)