Leeds United close in on Everton starlet on loan

Everton defender Matthew Pennington is“almost in the bag" according to Phil Hay from the Yorkshire Evening Post on Twitter.

Everton’s young center-back featured in last week’s pre-season friendly in Tanzania vs Gor Mahia, but was played out on the right hand side of a back 4 as Everton were victorious 2-1.

Everton flew out to The Netherlands yesterday as step 2 of their pre-season begins as they will face FC Twente. One name that wasn’t on the travel sheet as the team was making their way onto the place and that name was Matthew Pennington. And now, we know why.

As you can see in the picture above, it looks as though someone was able to snap a quick photo of what appears to be Matthew Pennington probably getting ready to complete the switch to Elland Road. A great signing in my opinion who is only going to get better for us.

Pennington looks like has chosen Leeds United over Hull City and Middlesbrough, and it seems as though it will be a great decision since not only does Pennington need gametime, but we need another player in the heart of the back line since Swansea City's Kyle Bartley’s loan spell had ended at the end of last season.

The 22 year old only made 3 appearances last season for the Toffees, even scoring a goal in a Merseyside Derby. I think that life in the Championship for Pennington is perfect right now. To me, he is a player who could fit and anchor any backline in the Championship, and it he does player well, I could see The Whites making Pennington their first summer signing going into next season.

The tall defender will certainly be looking to earn a starting place under Christiansen, and I hope that Christiansen will be impressed with Pennington’s knowledge of the game. The center-back has had loan spells with Walsall, Tranmere Rovers, and Coventry City, all of whom were in League 1 at the time they had Matthew Pennington.

I think this move shows our ambition to want to play in the Premier League next season, and I believe Matthew Pennington is eager to get on the pitch, and I hope him and Pontus can become the dynamic duo in the middle of our defense this upcoming season!

How do you guys feel about Matthew Pennington? Is he a solid loan signing or do you think he is a waste of a roster spot? Let me know down in the comments!