Toffees confirm Neill exit

Everton defender Lucas Neill is to join Turkish club Galatasaray after this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City.

The 31-year-old defender only agreed a one-year deal with the Toffees in September after becoming a free agent when his contract ended at West Ham in the summer, making 15 appearances.

The Australia international admitted he had not been expecting to leave Goodison Park.

“The move has come as a surprise to me,” he said on the club’s website, evertonfc.com.

“I’d like to thank the staff and fans but most of all my team-mates for making my time at Everton very enjoyable. I am pleased to have had a positive impact on the team and the club and wish them every success for the future.”