Everton: Freiburg plot move to sign Reece Welch on a free transfer
Everton defender Reece Welch has emerged as a target for Freiburg on a free transfer at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old is out of contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer and is expected to leave the club where he has been since he was 11 years old.
The former England Under-20 international has been training with the Everton first-team this season and could make his Premier League debut before the end of the season.
However, with no new deal forthcoming, he will be allowed to assess his options as a free agent come the end of June, with clubs alerted to his situation.
Freiburg are keen on Welch as they aim to bring in a top young centre-back to develop next season, while he is no longer a part of Everton's plans for the future.
Why is Reece Welch set to leave Everton on a free?
Football Insider revealed in February that Welch was in talks to leave Everton, but he ultimately stayed as a deal could not be agreed between all parties.
However, the opportunity to assess his options as a free agent will make a move easier, with Freiburg now emerging as leading candidates to complete his signing.
| Reece Welch | Everton Stats | Everton U21 Stats |
| Appearances | 3 | 106 |
| Starts | 1 | 103 |
| Minutes Played | 69 | 9213 |
Despite having been at the club since he was 11 years old, Welch has made just three senior appearances for the Toffees, and has never played in the Premier League.
Loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and more recently KMSK Deinze both proved unsuccessful, but he remains highly thought of after coming through the ranks at Everton.
He has been named on the bench on multiple occasions for David Moyes' side this season, but he will now seek the opportunity to move on and try his luck elsewhere.
Who else is interested in signing Welch?
Freiburg are not the only club keeping a close eye on Welch's situation on Merseyside this summer, with clubs both in England and Scotland alerted to his availability.
The centre-back remains highly rated despite his lack of first-team football at Everton and could be given a shot at increased playing time this summer.
Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Hibernian had opened talks to sign Welch, while Aberdeen were also interested in doing a deal.
EFL sides Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield Wednesday had also expressed an interest, but were unable to reach an agreement with Everton.
He remained at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as a result and has continued to train with the first team, but will have no shortage of offers as a free agent.