Everton are actively strengthening their Academy ranks.

The Liverpool Echo says highly-rated 16-year-old midfielder Jake Adelson attracted attention from a host of clubs, but Everton have won the race for his signature, partly thanks to Socceroo Tim Cahill's profile in Australia.

Adelson, who can also play at centre half, arrives from Blacktown City, having come through the state youth system in New South Wales.

The Blues are pursuing a policy of trying to build for the future by signing a host of young players to their already-renowned Finch Farm academy, and Adelson follows in the path of England U16s international George Green - who arrived from Bradford City in the summer.

Green, who was chased by Liverpool and Spurs, scored the winner against Spain on his England debut, and has already played for Kevin Sheedy's U18s side.

And earlier this year Everton were sufficiently impressed with the trials of Cheltenham's youth-team duo of Courtney and Tyrone Duffus to offer the League Two club a deal for the duo.