Everton striker in Latics link

EVERTON starlet Jose Baxter could be Athletic manager Paul Dickov’s first signing.

The 18-year-old striker will apparently continue his footballing education at Boundary Park by agreeing a season-long loan move.

Everton reckon Baxter, who has been tipped for great things at Goodison Park, needs regular first-team experience and a move to Athletic in npower League One would be just the job.

It would also boost Athletic’s options in attack after last season’s wretched campaign in front of goal.

They managed just 39 league goals in 46 games, and failed to hit the back of the net in 24 matches in all competitions.

Pawel Abbott was the club’s top marksman in 2009-10, scoring 13 times. Four players, including centre back Reuben Hazell, were next on three goals.

Bootle-born Baxter is the youngest player to feature in a competitive fixture for Everton.

He made his professional debut on the opening day of the 2008-09 season when he came on as a substitute in a home game against Blackburn Rovers.

The teenager was 16 years and 191 days, beating the previous record held by James Vaughan.

The following week he was named in David Moyes’ starting line-up to play West Brom, and in March, 2009 he signed a new two-and-a-half contract with Everton.

He has also represented England at under-16 — he scored three goals in eight appearances — and under-17 levels.