Everton defender Matthew Pennington is set to return on loan to the Championship again this season, according to reliable football journalist Alan Nixon.

Wigan Athletic are close to landing Pennington on loan and he could be the first of many Everton youngsters heading to the DW Stadium.

Pennington spent last season on loan at Leeds United, playing 24 games in a mixed spell at Elland Road.

Prior to his loan stint with Leeds, the 23-year-old also played for Tranmere Rovers, Coventry City and Walsall during temporary spells away from Goodison Park.

The former England under-21 international predominantly plays as a central defender, although he has played at right-back as well in his career.

Pennington signed a new deal at Everton this summer and he has nine first-team appearances to his name, with his only goal coming against bitter rivals Liverpool in April 2017.

The Verdict

Pennington did not set the world alight at Leeds but did turn in a few decent performances.

There is no doubt that he can become a good centre-half and perhaps an environment like Wigan could help his development.

The young defender definitely needs another year out on loan as he is not quite ready to break into the Everton senior side.

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