Oxford have completed the signing of young midfielder Ryan Ledson from Everton for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old has signed a thee-year deal with the U's, having spent last season on loan at Cambridge United, where he made 28 appearances.
Head coach Michael Appleton said: “He is a very exciting signing. He plays with passion and energy, he can see a pass and he knits things together in the middle of the park.
“It is fantastic that he is happy to come here to Oxford looking to prove himself, get games and build a career away from Everton.
“He has a very bright future ahead of him”
Ledson came through the academy at Everton, joining the Toffees as a five-year-old, but went on to make just one appearance for the club, in a 2014 Europa League tie at home to FC Krasnodar.
He has also been capped at international level, representing the under-16, 17, 18 and 19 England sides.
Ledson said: “To move away from Everton is a massive step, but I've got to do what's right.
“I'm looking forward to getting started.”