Everton have appointed Rafael Benitez as their new head coach.

The Toffees have stated on their official website that former Liverpool manager Benitez has signed a three-year contract.

The former Newcastle United boss replaces Carlos Ancelotti, who left his role at Goodison Park on June 1 and returned to Real Madrid.

Benitez was the manager of Liverpool from 2004 until 2010 and led the Reds to Champions League and FA Cup success.

The Spaniard is delighted to have taken charge of Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton.

Benitez told Everton’s official website: “I am delighted to be joining Everton. Throughout this process I have been greatly impressed by the ambition shown by the senior representatives at the Club and their desire to bring success to this historic Club.

“I believe this is a Club that is going places. I’m determined to play a big part in helping this great Club achieve its ambitions.”

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: “Rafa Benitez is joining Everton Football Club at an exciting time.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors I wish him well in achieving success for our football club – success our supporters long for and deserve.”

The Toffees’ Majority Shareholder, Farhad Moshiri, added: “Rafa impressed us greatly with his knowledge and experience but, above all, the passion and hunger he showed to join our Club.

“We are appointing Rafa because we believe he will bring success to our Club and to Evertonians.

“To put it simply – we need to be competing at the top-end of the league and to be winning trophies.

“Rafa is a proven winner with huge experience in coaching internationally and we have secured the best man to achieve that for us.”

Everton are rated at 11/1 by Betfair to finish in the top four of the Premier League table next season.