BREAKING NEWS;Everton agree deal to sign John Dodds

Everton have agreed a deal to sign Hearts sensation John Dodds, sources have told Football Insider.

The Merseysiders have had a bid accepted by the Scottish Premiership club for the centre-back, 16, who is yet to make a first-team appearance for Hearts but is extremely highly-rated at Tynecastle.

Dodds has agreed terms with Everton and will now head south of the border to complete a move to the Premier League big guns, as David Moyes‘ side prepare for a transformational summer window.

Dodds has caught the attention of a number of clubs in England after impressing for Hearts at youth level, and Everton have made a statement by winning the race for his signature.

John Dodds the first of many as new Everton era begins

Everton are ready to become a club transformed as they prepare to move across Liverpool to their new waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, coinciding with Dan Friedkin’s first summer transfer window.

Football Insider revealed on 14 April that The Friedkin Group plan to “back Moyes to the hilt” this summer, with changes aplenty set to be made both on and off the pitch on the blue half of Merseyside.

Moyes has shown a willingness to experiment with Everton’s fringe players in defence, such as makeshift right-back Jake O’Brien.

Dodds is likely to develop in Everton’s age-group teams, including the Under-18s and Under-21s, before being promoted into the first-team set-up.

Everton identify possible Jarrad Branthwaite successor

While Dodds’ arrival shapes as the first of many on Merseyside this summer – with nine players out of contract and five further loanees potentially leaving Everton – he’s far from their top priority in defence.