Everton sign Chinese defender

Everton are set to sign China defender Li Weifeng on loan subject to the player securing a work permit.

The deal coincides with the club becoming the first in Europe to enter into a deal with a Chinese company.

Everton have secured a two-year contract with Kejian Company, one of the Far East's leading manufacturers of mobile phones.

Weifeng, who played in the World Cup, is expected to arrive on Merseyside within the next 10 days to begin a 12-month loan period. He currently plays for Shenzhen Ping'an.

Everton are also expecting two Chinese players to join their academy in each of the two seasons of the sponsorship deal.

Members of the club's coaching staff will travel to China to help nurture the country's young talent.

The sponsorship deal was announced at simultaneous news conferences in Liverpool and Beijing.

Everton chairman Philip Carter, who is in China, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be entering into this arrangement with a company which shares our belief in the virtues of professionalism and progressive thinking.

"Everton are also looking at going on a tour of China at some point during the course of the contract agreement."