Midfielder Rodwell joining Man City from Everton

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Premier League champion Manchester City says it has signed midfielder Jack Rodwell from Everton for an undisclosed fee.

City said on its website Sunday that the 21-year-old Rodwell had signed a five-year contract.

Rodwell has played twice for England and scored four goals in 85 appearances for Everton after making his first team debut in 2007.

He told City's website "I relish the opportunity of playing with some of the best players in the world and continuing my development.''

Looking ahead to City's season opener against Southampton, Rodwell added: "It will be an amazing experience to make my debut in front of them if I am selected to play next weekend.''

Rodwell is a member of Roy Hodgson's England squad to face Italy in a friendly Wednesday in Berne, Switzerland.

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