(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Transfers

Exclusive: Everton agree deal to sign John Dodds

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on: 

Everton have agreed a deal to sign Hearts sensation John Dodds, sources have told Football Insider.

The Merseysiders have had a bid accepted by the Scottish Premiership club for the centre-back, 16, who is yet to make a first-team appearance for Hearts but is extremely highly-rated at Tynecastle.

Dodds has agreed terms with Everton and will now head south of the border to complete a move to the Premier League big guns, as David Moyes' side prepare for a transformational summer window.

Dodds has caught the attention of a number of clubs in England after impressing for Hearts at youth level, and Everton have made a statement by winning the race for his signature.

Dan Friedkin Everton Stadium
Dodds is the first permanent signing of the Friedkin era at Everton (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

John Dodds the first of many as new Everton era begins

Everton are ready to become a club transformed as they prepare to move across Liverpool to their new waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, coinciding with Dan Friedkin's first summer transfer window.

Football Insider revealed on 14 April that The Friedkin Group plan to "back Moyes to the hilt" this summer, with changes aplenty set to be made both on and off the pitch on the blue half of Merseyside.

Moyes has shown a willingness to experiment with Everton's fringe players in defence, such as makeshift right-back Jake O'Brien.

Dodds is likely to develop in Everton's age-group teams, including the Under-18s and Under-21s, before being promoted into the first-team set-up.

Jarrad Branthwaite Everton
Dodds will be looking to follow in Jarrad Branthwaite's footsteps at Everton (Credit: Imago)

Everton identify possible Jarrad Branthwaite successor

While Dodds' arrival shapes as the first of many on Merseyside this summer – with nine players out of contract and five further loanees potentially leaving Everton – he's far from their top priority in defence.

Amid surprise links with Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah, sources told Football Insider that Everton may struggle to spend big this summer without selling players, such as huge asset Jarrad Branthwaite.

Mick Brown told Football Insider that he doesn't expect his former club Manchester United to sanction a move for Branthwaite this summer, but there's no guarantees that will deter other clubs across Europe.

Burnley's Maxime Esteve is seen as an ideal partner for Branthwaite or a suitable replacement if he does head elsewhere, and if the 22-year-old is sold, Dodds' path into Moyes' squad could be fast-tracked.

Everton FC
David Moyes
Hearts
Peter O'Rourke
www.footballinsider247.com