New Everton football director Marcel Brands admits he's been in contact with the Toffees for two years.

The former PSV Eindhoven chief joined Everton this week.

“Everton first contacted me two years ago via Mino Raiola and since that moment I maintained contact with the owner and chairman," he told NOS.

“Everton are planning to have a different model and they are trying to get Everton to reach a higher level in the coming years.

"I am not going to Everton to change their culture. We must keep the culture that Everton have. We just want to improve things.

“I spoke to Ronald Koeman in the times that I have seen him here at Eredivisie matches and we spoke about Everton. His opinion was that it will not be easy but that Everton are a great club with fantastic people.

“The Premier League is the biggest league in the world and not an easy league and the expectations are high.

“PSV Eindhoven did everything in their power to keep me and that shows appreciation and respect for me, and it made my decision even more difficult and I plan to do my best at Everton."