Everton have confirmed the appointment of Kevin Thelwell as their new director of football.

The Toffees have been looking for a replacement for Marcel Brands who left the role in December.

They held talks with a number of high-profile options including Tottenham’s former transfer chief Steve Hitchens and ex-midfielder Tim Cahill, but it is Thelwell who has landed the role.

The former Wolves sporting director arrives from Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls where he had been head of sport since 2022.

Thelwell was delighted to land the role and told the club’s website: “I’m so pleased to be joining Everton and to have the opportunity to play a part in the club’s ambitious journey.

„I’m greatly looking forward to working with Frank and the players and to helping the owner and board achieve their long-term footballing objectives.

“The owner, the chairman and the CEO all presented compelling reasons for me to join this great club and I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with them all and to move Everton forward. I can’t get wait to get started.”

Red Bulls general manager Marc de Grandpe paid tribute to Thelwell, telling their website: „On behalf of the organization, we would like to thank Kevin for his contributions and efforts to the club over the last two years.

„We wish Kevin all the best, both personally and professionally, in his new endeavor [sic].“