Everton been told they must pay £600,000 rising to a potential £1.5million for young full-back Luke Garbutt. The youngster was previously with League One Leeds and the 16 year-old is a bright prospect. The Toffee’s originally offered just £200,000 for the youngster, a fee described as paltry by Leeds chairman Ken Bates after he turned downed a scholarship at Leeds to move to Merseyside.
The fee was set by a tribunal of the Professional Football Negiotiating and Consultative Committee, which is made of people from the Premier League, Football League and PFA. The tribunal took place on Monday and ruled that the fee should be £600,000 rising to £1.5million depending on appearances. There will also be an initial £200,000 if the youngster goes on to become an international. With Leeds also receiving 20 per cent of any future transfer fee.
Everton academy boss Ray Hall has revealed that he believes Garbutt is a star of the future. Hall told the clubs official website: “This is very much a transfer for the future for Everton. It’s not an uncommon move to make – many Premier League clubs invest in young talent with a view to nurturing and developing them.
“We are all delighted to have Luke at the club. He is an excellent prospect and he will be allowed to mature and learn his trade with our Academy staff and players.
“I know the manager (David Moyes) will be keeping an eye on his progress, as he does with all our boys, and if he looks ready to make the next step up then he may get his chance.
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