Youngsters leave on deadline day

On deadline day as Aaron Lennon was confirmed as an Everton player three youngsters left.

Winger Matthew Kennedy joined Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee – whilst striker Conor McAleny has moved to the Bluebirds on loan until the end of the season

Midfielder Conor Grant has also departed Goodison on loan – signing for SPL side Motherwell on loan for the remained of the 2014/15 season.

Kennedy, 20, signed for Everton from Kilmarnock in 2012 and enjoyed a loan spell back in his homeland with Alan Stubbs’ Hibernian.

MattyKennedy31 ‏@MattyKennedy31  13 hours ago

Delighted to have signed 3 & 1/2 years at Cardiff City #nextchapter

Benmclaughlin‏@benmcl_95  13 hours ago

Gonna miss this fella @MattyKennedy31 see Ya soon man!! Came here as little boys together now new chapter for him..  all the best!

Meanwhile, McAleny, 22, who made his first senior start for the Blues in December’s Europa League match against FC Krasnodar heads to the Championship in search of valuable first-team experience.

Conor McAleny  ‏@CMcAleny  13 hours ago

Thanks for the messages people!! Made up to have signed for Cardiff on loan until the end of the season. Can’t wait to get going #bluebirds

Grant, 19, is another to come through the ranks at Goodison and will be hoping to get his first taste of senior professional football while north of the border.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez said: “For Conor McAleny and Matthew Kennedy, it’s a really exciting chapter in their respective careers.

“They are ready to make a huge impact at first-team level and they are two players with terrific potential and a great attitude.

“This will represent a unique opportunity for their development and for Conor Grant it’s a great opportunity too.”