Reece Welch has joined League Two side Forest Green Rovers on a season-long loan for 2023/24.

The 19-year-old centre-back, who joined the Club’s Academy aged seven, moves to The New Lawn Road Stadium for his first loan switch.

An England Under-20 international, Welch made his Everton Men's Senior Team debut in March 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round victory over Boreham Wood at Goodison Park.

He was then handed his maiden senior start in the Blues’ 1-0 Carabao Cup win at Fleetwood Town last August, signing a new four-year contract two months later.

As well as regularly training with Sean Dyche’s squad, Welch was a key member of Paul Tait’s Under-21s side last season, making 27 appearances.

Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, said: “Reece has made excellent progress at Everton in recent years, showing there is a pathway from our Academy into our Men’s Senior Team.

“His first taste of going out on loan will give him vital experience in League One and will further support his development.”