Duncan Ferguson has completed his transfer from Newcastle United to Everton, just hours after BBC Sport Online first revealed that the deal was back on.

The on-off £3.75m transfer finally went through after the deal looked to have collapsed earlier in the week after Ferguson was unable to reach agreement about a £1m settlement he wanted from the Magpies.

At a news conference at Goodison Park, Ferguson said he was delighted to be back at Everton: "I couldn't imagine it in pre-season," he admitted.

"I was, at the time, very happy at Newcastle but since then an opportunity has arisen to come back and I'm delighted. All the fans know how I feel about the club.

No doubts

"There was never a doubt in my mind once Newcastle had decided they no longer required my services.

"When I first came here the fans just took to me right away. Everton's in my blood - it has always been there and this opportunity is fantastic for myself."

Ferguson's time at Newcastle was blighted by injury but he insisted he was "100% fit" now.

He said: "I haven't played enough games because of injuries but you just have to get on with it. That's what happened at Newcastle.

Injuries

"Now I just want to keep fit for selection. I'll have to do a bit of training but should be ready in a couple of weeks.

"My fitness has been a worry but I've passed a medical today."

The giant Scot washed his hands of the politics of his transfer from Newcastle, which Everton announced yesterday had broken down. "I don't won't to get dragged into that situation.

"I never asked for a transfer," he said. I was happy before at Everton and I am more than happy to come back.

"The club has got to be looking for Europe. Over last few years there has been instability but with the new deputy chairman there is stability."