Young forward Ellis Simms has signed his first professional contract with Everton, David Unsworth confirmed this week.
Simms has been a shining light for Paul Tait's under-18 side this season and netted an incredible 37 goals in 25 games at youth level as well as being handed his debut for Unsworth's title-winning under-23s, going on to make three appearances.
The Oldham-born starlet, who joined Everton as a 16-year-old, can represent England, Jamaica or Poland at international level.
He has recently been linked with a move to Germany as speculation around his future intensified after a superb season in front of goal but the Blues have acted quickly to land his signature.
Speaking to the ECHO on Wednesday after winning the Premier League Cup, Unsworth said: "There’s a number of under-18 players in my thoughts [for the new season].
"Joe Anderson, Ellis Simms and Einar Iversen have got contracts and they will step into the under-23 squad next year."
Anderson is an 18-year-old left-back, while Iversen, 17, previously played for Stord and Brann in his homeland of Norway before arriving at Goodison Park two seasons ago.
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He has represented Norway at under-15 level.
The trio finished third in the U18 Premier League this season, seven points behind eventual champions Derby County.
