Everton FC have signed a world first deal with the makers of the new Football Manager game, Sports Interactive.

The deal will see them secure an exclusive first look at the database of more than 370,000 players worldwide. The players, from junior level upwards, are meticulously researched and rated so that game players can choose them to make up their own dream team for competitions.

Football Manager relies on its own network of 1000 scouts in 50 countries monitoring 20,000 teams.

Paul Collyer one of the game's creators, and also an Everton fan said "The database is the most extensive scouting network in football so Everton FC is making a top signing."

Miles Jacobson, Football Manager studio director, added: "Clubs use the game to research certain players ... but formal recognition by a top team is fantastic."

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