Nathangelo Markelo -

At the height of Everton's busy 2017 transfer window, Everton added Nathangelo Markelo, an exciting Netherlands U18 international, to the U23s setup from Dutch club, FC Volendam 019.

The Blues' scouts havdapparently been monitoring the right-sided defender's progress extensively along with scouts from other clubs in Europe and the club stole a march on their competition for him by securing his signature today.

Prior to confirmation on evertonfc.com, a statement on Voldendam's website today said:

"FC Volendam and Everton FC have reached agreement on the acquisition of Nathangelo Markelo. The Premier League club has had Nathangelo watched in the Dutch national team and at some home games of FC Volendam 019 and became so convinced of his qualities. The right central defender / right-back would be available next summer when Under-19 players are left to the first team, but Everton had other plans."

Markelo can play at centre-half, as a full-back or wing-back, has signed s three-year-contract and he will join up with David Unsworth's Premier League 2 title-winning squad.

“It feels great to be an Everton player. It's a nice opportunity for me and I love it here already," Markelo told Everton's official site.

“I heard something about two weeks ago after a tournament I played in and I was very happy. I decided immediately that I wanted to come to Everton.

“I'm looking forward to the season now. I have three years here and I hope to get plenty of playing time, develop as a player and then just keep making steps forward towards the first team.”

FactFile