Lewis Dobbin reacts as Derby County strike Everton transfer agreement

Derby County have landed somewhat of a mini-transfer coup after announcing the arrival of Everton youngster Lewis Dobbin on a season-long loan deal.

The Rams got off to a winning start in League One this past weekend when they dispatched Oxford United thanks to a Conor Hourihane goal, and despite all the new faces at Pride Park, there are some positions that still needed working on.

One of those was up-front, with interim manager Liam Rosenior having just James Collins and Jack Stretton to choose from in his squad.

Rosenior has now added to those options with the signing of Dobbin, who has shown great promise at the Toffees and made three Premier League appearances during the 2021-22 campaign, as well as two FA Cup showings.

The 19-year-old featured heavily for Everton’s under-23’s side last season, scoring six times in 18 outings in the Premier League 2 competition, as well as playing in the EFL Trophy.

Capable of playing out wide on both sides as well as being a natural striker, Dobbin has expressed his excitement at becoming a Derby player, where he is hoping to kick on and gain experience before heading back to Goodison Park.

“I’m delighted it’s finally done,” Dobbin told Rams TV.

“I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to get started and meet the fans at Pride Park.

“I have had interest in me for a couple of weeks now and it’s finally over the line. I’m happy to be here.

This is a good opportunity for me to come here and prove myself and help take the club back in the right direction, which is where they deserve to be after everything that has gone on in the last year.

“The team that Derby played last year, and the way they fought, makes me want to get out there on the pitch and show everyone what I can do as well.

“Hopefull