Femi Orenuga is to link up with the Premier League giants this summer.

With first-team action already under his belt for Southend, the 15-year-old said: “I’m really excited about the move.

“When I went to Everton I saw how many youth players had gone through into the first team and I think I will have a better chance with them than some of the other sides who were interested.

“I will be sad to leave though as I have really enjoyed my time at Southend and Ricky Duncan and Luke Hobbs have really brought the best out of me.

“But it was too good an opportunity to turn down. I might never get another chance to prove myself at a Premier League side.”