/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55802127/634411550.0.jpg)
While Everton are yet to make an official announcement regarding the signing of Dutch teenager Joshua Zirkzee, the striker played for the Toffees youth side today at the Generali CEE Cup in Prague, Czech Republic.
The game ended 0-0 with the Blues the better side and missing a few chances to break the deadlock, but it was their opponents FC Academy Pandev who missed a sitter in the closing minutes and failed to steal the win.
Here is a highlights package from the tournament organizers showing off the forward.
One for the @Everton fans to look out . Joshua #Zirkzee was in the action for Everton today at #CEECup. Will he sign for the Toffies? #EFC pic.twitter.com/bf9GYZ4Eok
— Generali CEE Cup (@cee_cup) July 20, 2017
Zirkzee had been linked with a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United as of early yesterday, but there seemed to be confusion when the youngster ended up flying into Liverpool John Lennon Airport yesterday and was promptly whisked away.
Per Dutch media source FR12, Zirkzee was reportedly on Merseyside to work out the details of a transfer from Feyenoord. and it appears he promptly flew out with the youth team to Prague and showed up on the teamsheet today.
Line-ups for @Everton vs FC Academy Pandev. There is a printer problem we are trying to fix. #efc #fcap #ceecup pic.twitter.com/Do1jxE6NcK
— Generali CEE Cup (@cee_cup) July 20, 2017
The 16-year-old forward had a prolific season last year banging in 33 goals in just 27 games for Feyenoord’s Academy side last season, before being promoted to the Under-19 side for the upcoming season.
One of Holland’s brightest upcoming talents, Ajax Amsterdam failed to sign the teen to their youth side and apparently spurned Arsenal and Manchester United as well. Ronald Koeman, who managed Feyenoord before coming over to the Premier League, is said to have been a factor in Zirkzee’s decision to join the Blues.
The Blues have recruited aggressively this summer for both the senior and junior teams, with defender Nathangelo Markelo, striker Boris Mathis, winger Josh Bowler having all been signed this summer and forward Anton Donkor coming back on another loan spell. Star center half Lewis Gibson is also expected to join the team in the coming days.