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Bilyaletdinov seals Everton move
Tue 25th Aug 09 - 9:11
Everton have signed Russia midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov from Lokomotiv Moscow for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old, who has been capped 28 times for his country, has signed a five-year deal at Goodison Park.
Bilyaletdinov will now return to Russia to complete the formalities of a visa application to enter the UK.
He is ineligible for Thursday's Europa League play-off, second leg with Sigma Olomouc and is unlikely to be available for Sunday's home game against Wigan.
Everton officials met with Bilyaletdinov and his representatives in Hamburg on Monday because he is permitted to enter Germany with a Russian passport without a visa.
The 6ft 1in left-footed player is set to arrive in the UK in early September for Russia's World Cup qualifier against Wales and he will probably join up with his Goodison Park team-mates for the first time ahead of the trip to Fulham on 13 September.
"We are delighted to have secured the services of Diniyar," Everton chief executive Robert Elstone told his club's website. "I know David Moyes has wanted to bring him to Goodison for some time and we look forward to welcoming him."
Bilyaletdinov broke into the Lokomotiv team in 2004 and is known for his direct running style and leadership skills, which resulted in him being made captain.
He helped Lokomotiv clinch their second Russian league title in his debut season and was rewarded with the league's young player of the year award.
Bilyaletdinov made his debut for Russia as a 20-year-old in 2005 and featured in every game during his nation's run to the Euro 2008 semi-finals.
He played in 10 of Russia's 12 qualifying matches for the tournament, including the two games against England.
Text: BBC Sport