Source: Eurosport
Peterlin poised as Agard agrees deal
Everton have tied one of their brightest young prospects to a new two year contract and are on the verge of confirming their first signing of the summer.
The FA Cup finalists were back in pre-season training on Monday, and are expected to confirm the signing of 22-year-old American midfielder Anton Peterlin.
But they have also secured 19-year-old reserve striker Kieran Agard on a new two-year contract. Agard has progressed through the Everton ranks after joining from Arsenal and was named on the bench for the first team on three occasions last season. Agard was prolific for the under-18 side after his arrival and soon moved into the reserve squad, and he was the second string's player of the season last term.
The pacy frontman travelled with the first-team squad to Switzerland last summer for pre-season training and now has the chance to stake his claim again.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted. Two years is a good amount of time to show what I can do and hopefully I can give the manager food for thought.
"It was great to be named the reserves' player of the year last season and I've had time to go away and reflect with my family on the good bits and bad bits of my progress. I know what I need to do and I'm looking forward to it."
Peterlin is expected to be the next signing to be officially confirmed.
He said: "I am not sure how often miracles happen, but I will not squander this opportunity."
Peterlin impressed on a 10-day trial last season, when he was able to attend the FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough. Joining from Ventura County Fusion for a nominal fee, he is expected to complete the details of a one-year contract.
Fusion play in the fourth tier of US football - the Premier Development League - but boss David Moyes said: "Anton really impressed myself and the coaching staff with his attitude and undoubted ability."
