Fabian Delph says the tight bond in Everton’s dressing room mirrors the togetherness at Premier League champions Manchester City.

England midfielder Delph completed his transfer to Everton from Pep Guardiola's City last week and confessed he rushed to accept the “great challenge” of representing a “fantastic” club.

A conversation with former Everton and City defender Joleon Lescott deepened Delph’s conviction that a switch along the East Lancs Road was right for him – and the 29-year-old promptly became Marco Silva’s third summer purchase.

Manager Silva, who has also recruited Andre Gomes and Jonas Lossl, is preparing for his second campaign in charge.

The high water mark of his encouraging opening season was reached in its closing months, when Everton achieved a string of notable results in the course of collecting 21 points from their final 11 games. All while playing an exciting and sophisticated brand of football.

“I can see in training, the players are winners, their work ethic is incredible,” said Delph, who won six major honours in four years with City.

“Everybody is talking and getting on really well.

“It is a similar feeling to being at City in terms of the group being as one.

“I am delighted I am here.

“I have to look forward, to try to cement my place in this team and help Everton go forward.

“This is a great challenge. It is a fantastic club, Goodison Park has always been one of my favourite stadiums, in terms of the fans being right on top of you.

“It is a very hostile place to play – and it will be nice to have those supporters behind me rather than jumping down my throat.”

Delph sounded out ex-England centre-back Lescott for insight on the Club after learning of Everton’s interest.

Lescott, who, in common with Delph, counts Aston Villa as a former club, was at Goodison for three seasons after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2006.

And what the Midlander told his friend about Everton served to close the deal in Delph’s mind.

“Joleon really enjoyed his time here – he was very complimentary about the Club,” said Delph.

“What Joleon talked about more than anything was the fans.

“He said they were passionate and knew their football… that if you don’t try hard, you get found out.

“That’s amazing to hear. You get passionate fans… but fans who know their football make it that much more special.”

Delph’s 2018/19 was extended into the second week of June because of his involvement in England’s Nations League campaign.

He had consequently trained only once with City this pre-season before joining Everton.

Following Delph's initial experiences of training under Silva, however, he has no fears over finding his match legs in good time for the new season – which kicks off with a visit to Crystal Palace on 10 August.

Indeed, the player insists Silva’s consistently testing sessions suit him down to the ground.

“The volume of work is higher than at City, we cover much more distance and there is more intensity,” added Delph.

“At the end of each day, you feel like you have worked.

“I love hard work, there is nothing worse for me than going home with some energy left to burn.

“I like to know I have put in a shift, worked hard and pushed myself.

“I have been here a week and I am going home tired and having a good night’s sleep."