Everton snap up Coventry teen

Everton have pulled off a major coup by signing highly-rated teenage striker Bassala Sambou from League One side Coventry City.

The 18-year-old has been prolific in the Sky Blues academy over the past three seasons and made his first-team debut under manager Tony Mobray in the FA Cup first round.

After scoring 25 goals, including eight in an impressive FA Youth cup run, City technical director Mark Venus confirmed the club reluctantly agreed a compensation package in order for the German youngster to further his career at Goodison Park.

“We will be sad to see Bassala leave the club after his time with the City academy, but want to wish him success for the future,” Venus told the club’s official website.

“It was with great reluctance that we accepted terms for Bassala to leave and the greatest efforts were made to keep him as a Coventry City player.

“The club understands that the opportunity presented to Bassala would have been hard to turn down and respect his decision to move on.

“We have worked hard alongside Everton FC to agree terms that give Sambou’s footballing career the best chance of developing successfully.

“We would like to thank Everton FC for their professional conduct during negotiations and we wish Bassala all the best in Merseyside.”