Youngster who snubbed Liverpool signs pro deal at Everton

Two of Everton's academy players have signed their first professional contracts with the club.

Everton Under-18 captain Jordan Thorniley has signed a one-year contract at Goodison Park while young striker Delial Brewster has signed a two-year contract.

17-year-old Brewster, a boyhood Evertonian, was originally on Liverpool's books but asked to leave so he could join the Toffees.

The striker was first told he would be offered a professional contract as a 16-year-old, but a number of injuries over the past year delayed the deal.

Speaking of the deal Brewster said:

"It is a really proud moment for me, of course it is. I have been an Everton fan ever since I was a little kid. I have dreamt of playing for this Club and this contract is a step closer to doing that.

"My whole family are Evertonians too so they are really happy for me.

"It has been a very long road. It started when I was eight years old playing at the back of the school field. Now, nine years down the line, here I am."

Speaking of his new deal Thorniley said:

I’m made up. I’ve had a two-year scholarship and this has been the goal. I have been at Everton since I was about 10 and I have always been working towards this.

"I want to now start playing regularly for the Under-21s or if not for them, then maybe going out on loan into either non-league or the Football League.

"I like working with Unsy (David Unsworth) because he has played in a similar position to me so he can help me become the best player I can be."

Meanwhile Roberto Martinez has also made a summer addition to his academy backroom team.

Peter Cavanagh has left his role as player/coach at local non-league side Southport to join the Toffees' academy coaching staff.