CONFIRMED: Everton defender Callum Connolly joins Fleetwood Town on loan

Everton defender Callum Connolly has today completed a loan move to League One side Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season.

Connolly, 22, had been on loan at fellow third-tier club Lincoln City, but returned to Everton in order to complete another move away, this time to Highbury Stadium.

Connolly, who can play anywhere across the defence as well in midfield, made 15 appearances for the Imps, but had not featured for Michael Appleton’s men since November 16.

It is the seventh loan spell of Connolly’s career, having previously represented Barnsley, Wigan Athletic (twice), Ipswich Town, Bolton Wanderers and, of course, Lincoln most recently.

The Everton academy graduate made his first team debut for the Blues on the same day as Tom Davies, in a 1-1 home draw with Southampton in April 2016, but has not made a senior appearance for the club since.

Connolly, who also has four England under-21 caps to his name, could make his debut for Fleetwood, currently seventh in League One, in their visit to Burton Albion on Saturday.

He is contracted to Everton until the end of June 2021, having signed a fresh three-year deal at Goodison Park in August 2018.