Everton Under-21s goalkeeper George Pickford has signed a new contract with the club until June 2028 and joined Conference North side Southport on a short-term loan deal. The Preston-born shot-stopper joined the Blues as an 11-year-old, rising through the ranks of the club’s academy before becoming a regular for Paul Tait’s Everton Under-21s last season.

Pickford – an England youth international most recently capped at Under-20 level – says he’s enjoyed his development over the past few years, especially when linking up with the senior side.

After penning his new contract, the 19-year-old told evertonfc.com: “I’m excited, it’s going to be a good experience for me to keep training [with David Moyes’ first team squad] and have more years at the club.

“My development has come on a lot over the past few years, especially from training with the first-team lads and getting more confidence when I’m with them. They help me a lot when I’m up there and it...