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 👍🏻– 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.

Photo: Action Images

rayman_10 added 22:02 - Aug 31 Thought he's a Right back? Anyway welcome! COYB
3

BrettenhamBlue added 22:03 - Aug 31 He's a right back? We've already got 2?
7

GTRKing added 22:04 - Aug 31 Will we see one more player tonight
1

irish_tractor added 22:04 - Aug 31 Good stuff. Welcome
4

RobITFC added 22:04 - Aug 31 Prefer to see Woolfenden get a chance in the 1st team ?
14

jas0999 added 22:04 - Aug 31 Who? Not familiar with him I'm afraid.
1

Tractorboy1985 added 22:06 - Aug 31 Left or right back for England U17.. 18's.. 19's and 20's... A very good signing but smacks of desperation for me.. not the centre back we need! However Swansea wanted this lad as part of the Sigurdsson deal so is very well thought of.. welcome callum.. look forward to seeing you play COYB
14

TractorBeezer added 22:06 - Aug 31 Welcome Callum and take us to the Prem!
5

WestSussexBlue added 22:08 - Aug 31 Can play anywhere across the back, highly rated at Goodison park and has scored goals while on loan at Wigan. Also a member of the Under 20 England team. Great addition to our squad Well Done MM.
23

Cloddyseedbed added 22:08 - Aug 31 I thought he was a left back but can also play in at centre half. Good age though and not as I know injured or coming back from injury, that in itself is quite unusual.
1

iaintaylorx added 22:09 - Aug 31 Always welcome a new signing and especially a young one, but I don't really understand this one. He is a right back which Iorf and Spence can cover? Knudsen, Iorfa and Spence can all operate at centre back until ours are back fit or we get in another one. Would very much prefer our own youngsters given game time, or just recall Emmanuel (or was this not included in the contract?). Bit odd, but welcome! Bring in Goldsen please though!

10

blueblood_soldier added 22:12 - Aug 31 Will welcome any young promising player but am hoping an experienced cb is still in the building....
3

casanovacrow added 22:12 - Aug 31 Didn't Mick say he was after experienced heads at the back? I'm a little confused, don't really know what to think about it.
6

GiveusaWave added 22:14 - Aug 31 Odd to bring in a primary RB....but can see the potential of a 5 in defence with either Connolly or Iorfa at RB.
0

muccletonjoe added 22:14 - Aug 31 A good addition if we goldson as well
0

steve1968 added 22:15 - Aug 31 Welcome and good luck but we need a CENTRE BACK !!!
5

planetblue_2011 added 22:15 - Aug 31 We have options now he can play centre half & so can Spence & Iorfa. Play the best 2 players in their best positions I'd say either rb or cb. Still be good if Goldson signed👍
2

GTRKing added 22:16 - Aug 31 Happy with this but we need A CB' we are keep bugging Brighton to let us have goldson
2

ArnieM added 22:17 - Aug 31 So if this new loan signing comes in a right back, we can assume he is better than Emmanuel?
3

planetblue_2011 added 22:17 - Aug 31 Anyway welcome aboard Connolly, even if u do look like Francis Jeffers!! Haha
4

Bluewelshman added 22:18 - Aug 31 Isn't that typical, you wait a couple of years for a proper right back and three arrive. Anyway I hope he does well, welcome to ITFC young man.
15

blueboy1981 added 22:18 - Aug 31 Oh well - did anyone really expect it to be straight forward ? - after all we're ITFC, and should have known better than expecting a simple CB signing.
4

Bluebell added 22:19 - Aug 31 Sounds like he can play anywhere at the back. Has had plenty of experience with England youth. Welcome Callum. I look forward to seeing you play!
4

mutters added 22:24 - Aug 31 Good signing but not the CB cover we crave. As our great leader said "how many 18/19 year olds are starting I'm the championship at CB. None". Happy with the signing will be over the moon if we get a CB in as well
3

sydneytown added 22:24 - Aug 31 Bit like last season when murphy went didnt have a plan b just got desperate
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