Everton have confirmed that Joe Anderson has completed a permanent transfer to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.
The ECHO reported on Sunday morning that the Blues had accepted a bid from the Championship side and that Anderson had been allowed to travel to the North East for further talks and a medical.
Versatile at left-back and in central defence, Anderson, who joined Everton’s Academy at the age of 15, was a regular for the Blues’ under-21s side. He featured on 62 occasions for first David Unsworth and then Paul Tait.
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The 21-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light, with the option of a further year, and will train with his new team-mates on Tuesday.
“I’m over the moon to make the move, the minute the Club were interested I wanted to come here,” Anderson said on his move.
“I met the Head Coach and really liked what he had to say, and the fact he was also a centre back means I’ll have a lot to learn from him. It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to and I can’t wait to get started.”
While Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray added: “Joe fits the profile of player we want to keep adding to the club and we look forward to supporting his development in a senior environment.
“The talent and potential is there and although he may need time to develop physically in the next weeks and months, he will add immediate competition and depth to our squad.
“A left-footed, left-sided central defender, which is a rarity, he can distribute the ball well from the back and connect defence with midfield – he is going to be a real long-term asset for the club.”
The ECHO understands that Kevin Thelwell and Sean Dyche are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring players in ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline, but club sources have ruled out moves for Viktor Gyokeres and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
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