Dundee have signed defender Ryan Astley on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Everton for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.
The 22-year-old came through the Merseyside club's youth system and featured for their U23's team.
Astley spent last season on loan at Accrington Stanley, playing 32 times and scoring four times.
He also featured for Wales at under-21 level. Speaking after the deal was finalised, Astley said: "It feels amazing to sign for the club and I’m really looking forward to being here.
"I spoke with the gaffer last week and I really liked what he had to say and how I can help the team.
"Since then it has been slowly happening and I got the call yesterday to travel up to Dundee.
"I know Owen Beck as we have the same agent, so I spoke with Owen a few days ago and he was full of praise for the club, the staff, the players, and everything about it and that sealed it for me, I knew I wanted to sign for Dundee.
"I can’t wait to train with my new team-mates and to play in front of the Dundee supporters."
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Dens Park boss Tony Docherty added: "I am delighted that we have been able to bring Ryan to Dundee. Ryan is one that we have done extensive scouting on and we feel that he will fit in very well here.
"He is a boy who has come through the Everton youth system and has had extremely good coaching.
"He went on loan to Accrington Stanley last season and did really well during his time there. He’s an old-school defender who enjoys defending and we think he can enhance the squad that we have here.
"Ryan is one that excites all of us as staff and we think he will be a great addition to Dundee Football club."
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