Reece Welch in advanced talks to leave Everton on loan
Everton defender Reece Welch is close to securing a loan move to Forest Green Rovers, according to Patrick Boyland.
The Athletic journalist reported on 8 August that the 19-year-old is in advanced talks with the League Two side over a temporary switch to The New Lawn Stadium.
He said if all goes to plan, the centre-back should complete his move in time for him to potentially feature against Harrogate Town this weekend on 12 August.
Game time
It’s always good for promising young players to go out on loan and get game time when they are unlikely to be anywhere near the first team.
Although they can often come up against a higher calibre of player while playing for the club’s youth teams than dropping into the lower levels of the football league, exposure to a first-team environment can help a player’s development.
Welch was close to joining MK Dons on loan in January, but that move fell through late on to scupper his chances of playing some valuable minutes.
He is likely to get the opportunity to play a lot of minutes at Forest Green to be able help him come back a more rounded player on his return to Goodison Park.
Sean Dyche handed the England U-20 international some minutes for the first team during pre-season, so he will no doubt be keen to see how he gets on over the next few months.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are eyeing a shock move for an English forward.