HIGHLY-RATED midfielder Ryan Ledson has joined Oxford United from Everton.

The England youth international, who turned 19 last week, completed his medical this morning before signing a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be in six figures.

He departs Goodison Park with a single first-team appearance to his name, playing 90 minutes in a 1-0 Europa League defeat at home to FK Krasnodar, aged 17.

Ledson's other senior experience came in a loan spell at Cambridge United last season, making 28 starts - although he missed both games with the U's.

He said: "It's my first proper move and I'm really looking forward to it.

"I've come out on loan last year and now I'm ready to start my career properly now.

"(Cambridge) got me out playing real football and for lads my age nowadays they are happy to stay in the under 23s and reserve team football.

"I think it’s better to get out and play proper men’s football."

U's boss Michael Appleton has been an admirer of Ledson's for more than a year, but Everton's decision to let the teenager leave in this transfer window allowed the deal to be done.

He is the third Toffees player to join United in the last year, following John Lundstram and loanee Jonjoe Kenny, who was also an England teammate of Ledson's at the European Under 19 Championships this summer.

Appleton said: "Ryan's another young player with bags of talent.

"We’ve done quite well in that market in recent times and I’m sure he’s another one the fans will take to very quickly and enjoy the type of player he is.

"He gives us something a bit different - he is a genuine holding midfield player.

"The kid loves a tackle and I think Oxford United fans will see that very quickly."

Ledson has been called into the England Under 20 squad to face Brazil on September 4, so will miss United's game with Rochdale next Saturday.