Exclusive: Aberdeen in talks to sign Everton defender Reece Welch

Aberdeen are in talks over a deadline-busting deal to sign Reece Welch on loan from Everton, sources have told Football Insider.

The Dons are hopeful of landing a new centre-back before tonight’s 11pm deadline and will look to take advantage of the window closing later than it did in England.

Welch, 22, is well down the pecking order under David Moyes and has made just one senior appearance so far this season in the FA Cup defeat to Sunderland.

As a result, he has been keen to move away in search of more regular playing time, placing a number of Scottish Premiership clubs on high alert.

Aberdeen have now moved ahead of rivals and are in talks to agree a late deal for the defender whose contract at Everton will expire in the summer.

Aberdeen accelerating move to sign Reece Welch

Football Insider exclusively revealed earlier on deadline day that Hibernian were making a move for Welch, but they could now be set to miss out.

Aberdeen have accelerated plans to strengthen at the back ahead of what they hope will be a strong second half to the season if they can beat their rivals to the deal.

Welch has been in and around the Everton first team for some time, making the matchday squad on several occasions despite his lack of minutes this season.

The centre-back has enjoyed previous loan spells with Forest Green Rovers and Belgian outfit KMSK Deinze, but is now ready to move to the Scottish Premiership.

Everton involved in late deadline day drama

Welch is not the only potential outgoing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, despite the English transfer deadline having already been and gone at 7pm.

Crystal Palace have agreed to sign Dwight McNeil, with a deal sheet submitted to give them time to finalise details and complete medical checks.

Football Insider first revealed earlier in the day that Crystal Palace were exploring a move for McNeil, but no formal bid had been made as they eyed other areas.

However, shortly before the 7pm deadline, reports claimed the 26-year-old was undergoing a medical after the clubs came to an agreement over the terms.

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The post Exclusive: Aberdeen in talks to sign Everton defender Reece Welch appeared first on Football Insider.