Norwich City have stepped up their squad overhaul with a swoop for Everton midfielder Kieran Dowell for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old joins the club on a three-year deal to continue as City continue the rebuild at Carrow Road ahead of the Championship return.

Dowell has had a series of Championship loan spells at Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Derby and lately Wigan. He has been a regular at England age group levels and was part of the Young Lions’ squad who lifted the Under-20 World Cup in 2017.

“I’m delighted. I’m glad to get it out the way early as well,” he said. “I spoke with Stuart (Webber) and the boss (Daniel Farke) not so long after the season finished so it’s nice to get it sorted.

“There was a bit of interest (from other clubs) towards the end of the season and when Norwich came up, with the history of the club and what they’ve got going on with the boss and the players they’ve got here, I think it was a really good fit for me.

“It’s a massive step in my career which is why I had to make sure it’s the right decision for me. I didn’t want to rush into anything. I had a few offers but after speaking with Stuart and the boss and having a look around the training centre, I knew this was the place for me.

“I’m looking forward to getting fit and getting ready for pre-season. We’ve got about three weeks left so I’ll have a couple of days on holiday and then we’ll be back at it, ready to go.”

Farke is delighted to land a player he feels ‘is on the up’.

“I’m very pleased with this transfer because Kieran is full of potential,” said the City head coach, speaking to the club’s official site. “He’s a young player on his way up and has experience on the international stage.

“He’s young, homegrown and has proven that he can score goals and get assists, so he’s pretty versatile in all offensive positions. I think it’s a great addition to our squad.

“He caught my eye when he was on loan at Nottingham Forest with many goals and assists, never losing his way. We’re really pleased as there was a lot of competition for his signature.

“It’s a really good transfer for us and I’m pleased that Stuart Webber was able to bring him in.”

Dowell is the latest new face unveiled by the Canaries following relegation from the Premier League. Sebastian Soto, Matthew Dennis and Bali Mumba were announced earlier this week, following on from the arrivals of Jacob Sorensen and Przemyslaw Placheta.

The six arrivals join previous signings Sam McCallum, Melvin Sitti and Danel Sinani at Carrow Road as City plot a Championship fightback.