Everton beat Fulham to signing of Josh King

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 1 min read

Everton have confirmed that they have signed Norway international striker Josh King from Championship side Bournemouth.

Out of contract in the summer, the Cherries have elected to cash in on the 29-year-old King.

He has signed a six-month deal with the Goodison Park outfit.

There had been strong interest from relegation-threatened Fulham in the former Manchester United youth, but he ultimately elected to join Everton for the rest of the campaign.

King has endured a difficult season with Bournemouth in the second flight, failing to score a league goal for the club. However, he has a strong pedigree in the Premier League, having hit double figures in the top flight twice and having never dipped below six goals in a campaign.

Everton will hope he continues such form as they seek European football next season.

The news means that Toffees youngster Anthony Gordon is set to be loaned out to Preston North End in the Championship.

“Everton have completed the signing of Joshua King from Bournemouth for a nominal fee until the end of 2020/21,” a club statement reads.

“Forward King scored 53 goals in 184 matches for the south coast team after joining from Blackburn Rovers prior to Bournemouth’s first Premier League season in 2015/16.

“King’s Premier League football has been exclusively played with Bournemouth and his 161 appearances in the competition have produced 48 goals.

“He scores his international goals at a rate of one every three games, with 17 strikes in 51 appearances for Norway – King netted home and away against Spain in qualifying matches for the 2020 European Championship.”