Fulham have signed highly-rated youngster Sean Doherty from Everton for an undisclosed fee.

The England Under-17 international is regarded as one of the best young players in England.

Fulham academy director Steve Kean told the club's website: "Sean's an international left-winger. We were very surprised when he decided that he wanted to leave Everton.

"Every academy player signs a registration form, in that form there's a window which allows the player to have a look at other academies.

"We've been keeping tabs on all international players.

"As soon as we heard he was available, we scouted him at two England games, then officially contacted Everton and asked if we could trial him for a week.

"He also went to Leeds and a couple of other clubs, but what was great for us was that he wanted to come to Fulham."

Kean added: "Within a year we hope he'll be pushing for a place in the reserve team, then within two years he'll hopefully be pushing for a place in the first team."