Everton confirm Stanley Mills exit as Kevin Thelwell explains transfer thinking

Everton youngster Stanley Mills has signed for Oxford United on a season-long loan deal for the upcoming campaign.

Mills was given the green light by Everton to hold talks with the League One club about spending the upcoming campaign at the Kassam Stadium, following the Blues’ 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night.

The attacking midfielder, who is the son of former England full-back Danny Mills, played the second half at the Toughsheet Stadium. The 19-year-old also featured against Tranmere Rovers at the weekend and was also part of the squad that travelled to Evian for a pre-season training camp.

Joining Everton's Academy aged 14, Mills impressed for the club’s under-21 side last season; he scored 10 times in 15 Premier League 2 appearances as well as netting three times in the Papa Johns Trophy.

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Mills made his first-team debut off the bench against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup last season before coming on as a substitute in the 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth in the same competition a couple of months later.

Explaining the decision to allow Mills to leave on loan, Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell said: "Stan has made encouraging progress through our Academy, resulting in competitive action and training sessions with our men’s senior team.

"His move to Oxford United is his first loan switch and will provide him with vital experience in League One to support the next phase of his development."

Mills could make his debut for the U's against Queens Park Rangers at the Kassam this weekend. Liam Manning’s side then kick off their League One campaign against