Premier League champions Manchester United announced Tuesday that they have bought Belgium international midfielder Marouane Fellaini from Everton, with the Merseyside club putting the fee at £27.5 million ($42.7 million, 32.4 million euros).

The deal for the 25-year-old was announced on the United website three hours after the close-season transfer window ended at 2200GMT.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini from Everton," said the statement.

Manager David Moyes added: "I have worked with Marouane for five years and I'm delighted he has decided to join Manchester United. He is a player with great ability and strength and I think he will make a real difference to our squad."

Fellaini said he was "thrilled" with the move and that he "jumped at the chance" to renew his relationship with former Everton boss Moyes.

"I had a fantastic time at Everton and I'd like to thank all the fans and staff there for everything they have done for me," added the midfielder.

"But being a Manchester United player is something that every player dreams of and I believe that I can make a real contribution to the team's efforts to win trophies in the future."

Everton's website broke the news two hours before United's confirmation.

"Marouane Fellaini has moved to Manchester United for a £27.5 million fee," Everton said in a statement.

"Fellaini's exit ended a summer-long period of speculation after the Belgium international emerged as one of former Everton manager David Moyes' prime targets for his new club."

Moyes brought the Belgian to England from Standard Liege in 2008 during his time as Everton coach.

Fellaini becomes United's second close-season signing, after Uruguayan full-back Guillermo Varela joined from Penarol in June.

United were also reported to have submitted an offer to sign Portuguese left-back Fabio Coentrao from Real Madrid on a season-long loan.

However, a mooted move for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera was reported to have collapsed.