Diogo Jota has confessed "love" for Everton as he seals Liverpool transfer

Diogo Jota's love of Everton has resurfaced after his move to Liverpool from Wolves for £45m.

The Portugal international became the second signing of the day at Anfield after the much-anticipated arrival of Thiago Alcantara.

Though the Spaniard was expected to join, Jota's emergence as a top target came somewhat out of the blue.

Nevertheless, Liverpool have done their homework on the 23-year-old - who they have been scouting for two years.

With the Afcon set to go ahead, both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are expected to be absent for some time.

Now with Jota joining, the forward can be utilisied to somewhat soften the blow Liverpool are set to take.

And Reds fans are over the moon to land the talented striker - but they might think twice after hearing his comments on local rivals Everton.

When asked who his favourite team was during his childhood, Jota had a slightly bizarre answer.

“I loved to watch Everton play, especially when they were playing at home,” said Jota.

“It was not a club that fought for the title but that always made life very complicated for the big teams.

"And I loved that drive and competitiveness. They were relentless.”

The team in question no doubt would have been David Moyes' side - that were renowned for their tough attitude and never-say-die spirit.

Some of Jota's heroes may have included Lee Carsley, Alessandro Pistone and Tony Hibbert.

The Portuguese has become Liverpool's fourth most-expensive signing after his move on Friday.

Only Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Naby Keita have cost more - but his journey to the top has been an unconventional one.

He started his professional career at Pacos Ferreira, where as a youngster he scored 14 in 41 league appearances.

It earned him a move to Atletico Madrid at the age of 19 but he failed to make a single appearance for them, instead being shipped out on loan to Porto and Wolves.

His time at the Molineux helped them land promotion from the Championship and his loan was made permanent for £14m.

Prior to his move to Merseyside, Jota scored 44 times in 131 appearances for Wolves.