Everton undone by regulations as Demi Akarakiri to pen five-year deal elsewhere

Everton are set to lose youngster Demi Akarakiri to Italian side Cagliari, but it may be due to their lack of effort to keep him at Finch Farm.

The Toffees have an impending exodus of their academy after Isaac Heath's departure was confirmed; Coby Ebere and Akarakiri are set to follow.

It's likely that other young prospects could leave the Blues this summer, given the current trajectory, with some fans blaming David Moyes for his lack of faith in talent.

Akarakiri underwent a medical on Thursday ahead of signing on a free transfer for Cagliari, which will go down as another loss for Finch Farm.

He is expected to sign a five-year deal with the Serie A side, and could go on to become a superstar in the near future.

However, Everton may have made a blip with Akarakiri, as Cagliari seemed to have swooped in with perfect timing.

Everton undone by youth laws amid Demi Akarakiri exit

Akarakiri's exit could be announced on Friday, and it's highly likely that the Toffees will be kicking themselves over this one.

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton were unable to tie the 18-year-old down to a professional contract, which allowed Cagliari to swoop in and seal him on a free deal.

The defensive midfielder has made the interesting decision to join the Serie A side with first-team football in mind, despite him yet to make a single appearance at the pro level.

Akarakiri has already been compared to Paul Pogba for his performances for the U21s, and it may be no great surprise if he goes on to great things.

FIFA regulations left Everton in mud with Akarakiri

Article 6 of Annex 4 of FIFA's regulations regarding the Status and Transfer of Players, shows proof of reason as to why the Toffees are set to lose Akarakiri for nothing.

Article 6 (3) states that a club can lose its entitlement to "training compensation" unless said club can prove its interest in retaining a player through offering them a contract.

The Finch Farm youngsters usually start on schoolboy or scholarship registration and are eligible for professional contracts upon turning 17, in most cases in England.

If, before said registration expires, a new deal is not agreed on professional terms, the player, in this case Akarakiri, is free to sign with another team.

This may be what has happened with the Englishman.