Everton are reportedly close to agreeing on a new long-term contract with youth academy graduate Reece Welch [via Patrick Boyland].
The Huddersfield-born centre-half joined Everton in 2010, at the age of 7, impressing in every age group at academy level. His impressive performances in the toffee’s academy have led to him being capped for England at U16, U17, U19 and U20 levels.
He was also recently called up to the England U20 squad by Ian Foster to face Chile, Morocco and Australia, thanks to his impressive performances in Premier League 2, playing an important role in the young blue’s impressive start to the season, sitting 4th after 7 games, a point off top spot, Crystal Palace. He was left out of the young blue’s most recent Premier League 2 fixture against Fulham ahead of the first team’s visit to Southampton this weekend. He was also visible in this weeks training video ahead of the clash down south [via Everton Football Club – YouTube]
His current deal at Everton expires at the end of the season, so Kevin Thelwell will be hoping to tie Welch down to a long-term deal.
Welch was linked to a loan move away from EFC in the summer, but with the loan departure of Jarrad Branthwaite to PSV and injuries to Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey, it seems Lampard has faith in Reece and wanted to keep the youngster in the squad.
The 19-year-old made his debut for Everton in the FA Cup – 5th round during their 2-0 win over National League outfit, Boreham Wood, coming on as a late substitute for Michael Keane. Since making his debut, he has made two more appearances for the blues, his most recent appearance coming in the blues’ 2nd round Carabao Cup tie away to Fleetwood, in which he started and completed 64 minutes, before being replaced by James Tarkowski.
Reece would become one of many young players to commit their future to playing at Goodison Park so far this season, with Katia Kouyate and Jenson Metcalfe the most recent players to sign new deals at EFC.