Fleetwood goalkeeper Billy Crellin to undergo late Everton medical
Everton are close to signing Fleetwood goalkeeper Billy Crellin in an unexpected late January deal, according to Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath.
Writing via his personal Twitter account at 09:22pm on 31 January, with the transfer deadline at 11pm, McGrath reported that Crellin, 21, is set to undergo a medical with the Blues.
Frank Lampard has been appointed as the new manager, Donny van de Beek has arrived on loan from Manchester United and Dele Alli is also heading to Goodison Park from Tottenham.
And now, Everton also look set to sign Crellin in a last-gasp deal before the deadline in an hour and a half.
Out of the blue
Crellin definitely seems like a talented young goalkeeper.
He’s made a good number of senior appearances in his career and has also played for England at every level from Under-17 to Under-20.
The 21-year-old, who was born in Blackpool, has spent his entire career on the books at Fleetwood and has played four times for them this season in all competitions.
He’s also been out on loan at Bolton, Chorley and FC United of Manchester, so he’s got plenty of senior experience under his belt for a young shot-stopper.
We don’t expect to see Crellin break into our senior squad straight away but he could be the new third-choice behind Jordan Pickford and Asmir Begovic.
And as Begovic’s contract is up in the summer, there could be a chance for Crellin to be Frank Lampard’s new number two goalie.
It’s been a busy day at Goodison Park with Lampard, van de Beek and – soon – Alli all arriving at the club.
You can add Crellin to that too if all goes well before the 11pm deadline.
In other Everton news, Fabrizio Romano says Dele Alli is set to sign imminently with paperwork being finished off.