Springthorpe began as a striker before converting to goalkeeper

Everton have beaten off strong competition to sign Shrewsbury's highly rated youth-team goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe for £125,000.

"There were a number of the top clubs chasing me - I feel blown away," the 16-year-old told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"It's a big step for me, but what an opportunity this is.

"Everton are an ambitious club who offer a real chance to come through the ranks and into the first team, like Jack Rodwell and Jose Baxter."

Springthorpe, who is already 6ft 2ins, started playing initially as a striker but was persuaded to become a goalkeeper by his father, Ian.

The regime at Everton will be something else, but if that's what it takes to get to the next level then I'll grab it with both hands Mason Springthorpe

"My dad converted me at nine, so I got plonked between the sticks moaning and groaning on a muddy, soggy pitch. But I guess he was right, and I owe him a lot."

The teenager says he has studied another former Shrewsbury goalkeeper, Manchester City's Joe Hart, to improve his game.

"I've spent hours on the computer watching him and analysing him," he said.

And Springthorpe is determined to remain level headed despite his big move.

"The price tag means nothing to me," he added. "The regime at Everton will be something else, but if that's what it takes to get to the next level then I'll grab it with both hands.

"I'll work hard, always give my all, and never give up."

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