Steven Gerrard in hot pursuit of Everton loan agreement
Everton youngster Reece Welsh is wanted by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq on loan this summer, according to Ben Jacobs.
The GiveMeSport journalist posted on X (27 August) to report that Al-Ettifaq, managed by ex-England midfielder Steven Gerrard, are exploring a loan to take Welch from Goodison Park to the Middle East.
Centre-back Welch, 20, has made two first-team appearances for the Toffees in domestic cup matches, and spent the first half of last season at eventually-relegated League Two side Forest Green Rovers.
Jacobs' report also mentioned that Welch could potentially be joined in the Saudi Pro League by Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale, though unlike Vale, no financial details for Welch's loan move were revealed.
Will Everton sanction a surprise transfer for Reece Welch?
Sean Dyche hardly has a body to spare amidst the Toffees' torrid start to the new Premier League season, and revealed he had just 14 senior players available prior to their 4-0 thumping by Tottenham.
However, arguably the only area of the squad in which Dyche's options are well-stocked is in central defence, with Welch no higher than sixth in the pecking order to start when everyone is fit.
Jake O'Brien's arrival from Lyon this summer has given Dyche a clear alternative to his first-choice pairing of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, with the latter increasingly likely to stay put.
Dyche starting Roman Dixon at right-back against Spurs showed that he is more than willing to give youth a chance, but Welch has a long way to go before he will be knocking on the door.
Therefore, with a loan to a brand new league, country and culture potentially on the cards, Welch could come back to Goodison in a year's time with the potential to finally stake his first-team claims.
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