France international striker Valerie Gauvin says Everton’s professional structure and ambition to compete for honours made the Club an ideal destination, as she declared her “big motivation” to fire the Blues to success.

Gauvin joined Everton from Montpellier on a three-year deal earlier this month.

The 24-year-old, who has won 31 caps for her country, is heading into her first season with the Toffees on the back of an exceptional 2019/20 campaign.

Gauvin hit 14 goals in 16 appearances for Montpellier in the French top-flight, which was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

READ: EVERTON CONFIRM LOAN CAPTURE OF SCOTLAND STAR EMSLIE

She says she is savouring the chance to prove herself in Women’s Super League and help Everton establish themselves as a genuine force in English football.

Everton begin the 2020/21 Women's Super League season with an away clash at Bristol City on 6 September.

“It was natural to want to come to Everton – all the elements were ideal for me,” Gauvin told evertonfc.com.

“Everton showed me they really wanted to sign me and it was a big opportunity for me, and a big challenge to play in another country.

“I could see Everton had such a professional set-up with the women’s team.

“That was an important aspect for me.

“There is a real connection between the men’s and women’s teams. The women’s team is also getting more and more fans.

“The standard of competition in England is getting better and better, and Everton’s ambition is to be as high as possible in the championship.

“I have a lot of motivation for this challenge.

“Because of my position [as a striker], I want to score as many goals as possible and help the team.

“For the Club, it’s about finishing high up the table and to go as far as possible in the cups and try to win them.”

Gauvin’s predatory instincts are underlined by her supreme striking record at Montpellier - she rattled in goals at a rate of more than one every two games during six years with the club.

Gauvin set out her desire to take her game to the next level at Everton and develop into a complete centre-forward.

“Before I signed, [manager] Willie Kirk said he was following me as a player and he knew my style,” she explained.

“He said I have a big potential as a forward player – that I could improve - and have really good characteristics to play at Everton.

“As a player, I think I have progressed over this past season with my finishing. I think I am quite good at heading, too.

“I want to bring those qualities to the team.

“I want to be good pivot in the attack, to link the play, and help open up space for the other forwards.

“I am still improving on that and want to bring that to the team. I will keep working hard to get better and give my best.”

Gauvin was part of the France side which reached the quarter-finals of last year’s Women’s World Cup.

She scored in France’s last-16 victory over Brazil, before the host nation were beaten by eventual winners USA in the last eight.

Everton midfielder Maeva Clemaron was also part of the French squad for the tournament – and Gauvin paid tribute to her compatriot’s generosity and guidance since she joined her on Merseyside.

“It is really cool Maeva is here and she has helped me a lot,” Gauvin said.

“It’s nice to have another French player.

“She has helped me feel more comfortable and it is easier for me, because I have less stress about understanding what people say.

“I am going to learn more English and improve, but Maeva has been helping me, both at training and off the pitch.”

Pictured: Everton midfielder Maeva Clemaron

Gauvin only started training with her teammates at USM Finch Farm last week but explained how the depth of class within the squad made an instant impression.

“I feel really good on the pitch already in training,” she said.

“I’m really excited to be here.

“We have a very good group, with high quality. I am really enjoying working with the coaching staff, too.

“We will get better and better the more we train, and play friendly matches, before the start of the season.”