Town have confirmed the signing of Everton defender Callum Connolly on a season-long loan.
Connolly, 19, is primarily an attacking right-back, who can also operate as a centre-half. However, Town have signed him with a view to playing on the right as cover for Jordan Spence and Dominic Iorfa, both of whom are options to play at the centre of the defence during the Blues' current centre-half injury crisis.
We understand Town are still pursuing their move for Brighton's Connor Goldson but with time appearing to be running out on that deal with the 11pm deadline approaching.
As reported this morning, the Seagulls have been unwilling to allow the 24-year-old to move out on loan until they have signed another central defender.
Delighted to have joined @Official_ITFC on loan, looking forward to the challenge ahead ðŸ‘🻖 Callum Connolly (@Callum1connolly) August 31, 2017
Liverpool-born Connolly, who has won England caps at U17, U18, U19 and U20 levels, came through the youth system at Everton, with whom he has made one Premier League sub appearance, and has previously spent time on loan at Barnsley and Wigan.
Having made three starts for the Tykes during a month-long spell towards the end of 2015/16, he spent the second half of last season with the Latics, making 15 starts and three sub appearances, scoring twice.
In the summer he was with the England U20s squad as they won their World Cup in South Korea, making appearances in two of the Young Lions' early games.
Connolly will join up with his new Town team-mates for the first time on Monday.