Everton winter signing Cenk Tosun is pleased to have joined a bigger club after failing to secure a move to Crystal Palace earlier in the summer. The Turkey international was on the radar of the Eagles at the start of the season, but unfortunately, the south London outfit could not finalise a deal with Besiktas.

As a result, the Turk had to wait until the New Year to seal his Premier League move, but he is glad to have joined the Toffees. Speaking on TRT Spor, the 26-year-old highlighted that he is content with the proceedings at his present club, and spoke fondly about Wayne Rooney, who has helped him to settle in Merseyside.

He said: “Crystal Palace wanted to sign me during the first phase of the season but it couldn't happen. I'm glad it didn't because I now play for a bigger club in the Premier League. Players like Rooney, Phil Jagielka, and Seamus Coleman have given me a helping hand to settle in. I want to emphasise Rooney. He's a legend in the UK but he's far from being arrogant. I admire him on and off the pitch.”

Tosun started his Toffees career in a relatively slow fashion as he failed to find the scoresheet in any of his first five matches. However, he has since gone through additional work in training sessions, and this has proved dividends with four goals in the next four games. The Turk is now aiming to establish himself for the long-term, and he is hoping that the club can make further progress into the European competitions.

Everton had a poor Europa League group stage campaign this term, and their chances of qualifying for the same competition now rely on them finishing within the top-seven of the Premier League. The Toffees are currently six points off seventh-placed Burnley, who have an extra game to play.