Boris Mathis joins Everton

The 19-year-old, a product of Lyon's academy who made his Ligue 1 debut in April, will be part of Everton's Premier League 2-winning under-23s squad.

Mathis, who joined Metz in 2015, has set his sights on playing his way into the Blues' first team and credits Everton's manager Ronald Koeman as being a big influence in his decision to move.

"My dream is to play for the first team here," Mathis told the club's official website. 

"I want to play in the Premier League for Everton.

"It is a great club and I have always liked English football and the Premier League. Ronald Koeman is a huge figure, not only as a coach now but his reputation as a player speaks for itself as well."

Mathis also spoke of his excitement at the opportunity of working with under-23s coach David Unsworth. 

"My first impressions have been very good," Mathis added. 

"I like the movement and the intensity of the players. Everyone has also been very welcoming to me as well, which has been nice.

"David Unsworth is a very good coach. Of course, he played in the Premier League and I can already see how good he is."