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Everton defender Luke Garbutt moves to Fulham on season-long loan

Fulham have signed left-back Luke Garbutt on a season-long loan from Everton.

The Championship side, looking to strengthen their defence after a difficult campaign last season, have moved to bring in the highly-rated 22-year-old.

Garbutt has represented England from under-16 to U21 levels, and played at the European Under-21 Championship in the Czech Republic earlier this summer.

He told Fulham's official website: "When I got the call saying Fulham wanted me on a season-long loan, I spoke to the manager and the staff here and I liked what they had to say and their plans for me this season.

"They've shown their faith and trust in me. I'm really looking forward to working with the boys, and obviously the main objective is to get promoted this season."

Earlier this month, ESPN FC revealed that Garbutt was a loan target for the Craven Cottage club.

The defender moved to Merseyside from Leeds United in 2009 and signed a new five-year deal at Goodison Park in June.

However, he has found his path to the Everton first-team blocked by Leighton Baines and made just four Premier League appearances last season.

Manager Roberto Martinez told reporters during the club's involvement at the Asia Cup in Singapore: "The idea will be to send him on loan to get important experience.

"As a club we're looking forward to seeing his best years once he's had that year away. At the moment we're very strong in that position, but that doesn't stop us wanting to keep a very good left back with an incredible future."