Midgley could now face the Eagles in the BBL Trophy

Midgley only joined the Eagles during the summer but has been frustrated by starting matches on the bench.

"Richard's transfer has allowed us additional resource to strengthen the roster," said Eagles managing director Paul Blake.

"We will take our time and look at who is available. We only want to bring in another quality player."

Midgley, who averaged 20.2 points and 3.2 assists per game this season, will join up with Great Britain team-mate Chris Haslam at Everton - they are the only two members of the national team currently playing in the BBL.

His preferred position is point guard, but that role has been filled by Eagles player-coach Fab Flournoy and he has had to settle for playing at off guard.

"I was coming off the bench - I wanted to play more," Midgley told BBC Sport. "I was frustrated with the reasons why I wasn't playing point guard."

"He wasn't happy here and if they're not happy, they're not going to perform. I'm not surprised that he went - the only thing I'm surprised about is that it's Everton," Flournoy commented.

Midgley's move comes just days before Newcastle's BBL Cup semi-final game against Scottish Rocks at Crawley on Saturday.