Goalkeeper is first signing of Koeman era

18-year-old Chris Renshaw of Oldham Athletic has become Ronald Koeman’s first signing for Everton. To be fair, contact was made before the Dutchman’s appointment was confirmed, though it is hard to believe that any transfer decisions were being made without his approval.

Renshaw is yet to make a senior appearance, having started off his career with the Oldham juniors. The player is targeting breaking into David Unsworth’s U21 side with the starting job in mind this season.

“I’m really excited for the challenge. I know about the record of how many players Everton have brought through the Academy.

“That interested me a lot because there seems to be a serious pathway to the first team.

“Every time we played friendlies at Everton, I always used to say the training ground and facilities would make this an amazing club to be at.

“This is a step up but I’m looking forward to it. For me, this year is a development stage, so it’s about trying to get that regular football in the Under-21s.”

Here is a video of Crenshaw in training, courtesy of the Liverpool Echo.

Meanwhile, youth team goalie Jindrich Stanek announced on Twitter earlier today that he will be leaving the club, so Renshaw’s signing appears to be a direct replacement.

The search for a senior side goalkeeper continues in earnest after the departure of veteran American keeper Tim Howard, and question marks hanging over incumbent starter Joel Robles’ ability to handle the job.

The Toffees have been linked with a handful of players, but nothing concrete has come out of any of the rumours - Asmir Begovic (28), Steve Mandanda (31), Neto (26), Fraser Forster (28), Denys Boyko (28), Jasper Cillessen (26), Joe Hart (29), Kasper Schmeichel (29), and Tim Krul (28).