Everton transfer news: Rafa Benitez reveals Blues have signed ex-Liverpool and Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan

Rafa Benitez has announced Everton have signed former Liverpool goalkeeper Andy Lonergan as back-up.

The Goodison Park boss announced the news during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leeds.

Lonergan is a veteran stopper aged 37 and was part of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

He did not make an appearance for the Anfield club, however.

Lonergan has been a free agent after leaving West Brom at the end of last season.

Benitez said: “We have an injury of [Harry] Tyrer, the young keeper. We have signed Andy Lonergan as back-up.

“He is a player who can give us some experience because we needed to sort out this problem just in case. It’s a new signing but a player no-one was maybe suspecting.”

Lonergan has signed a deal at Goodison Park until the end of the 2021-22 season.

He will provide cover to first-choice keeper Jordan Pickford and Asmir Begovic, who arrived on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth earlier this summer.

In addition, Lonergan’s arrival could also give Joao Virginia the green light to depart the Toffees on loan.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon in his native Portugal.

Virginia has played three times for Everton since arriving from Arsenal in the summer of 2018.

He made his Premier League debut when coming off the bench to replace the injured Jordan Pickford in a 2-1 loss to Burnley last season.