Everton striker Apostolos Vellios has joined Championship side Blackpool on loan until the end of the season.
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caption:Apostolos Vellios has not started a game for Everton since December 2011.
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The 22-year-old, who has represented Greece at U21 level, will be out of contract at Goodison Park at the end of June.
Confirming his move on Twitter, Vellios wrote: “On loan to Blackpool for the rest of the season. I am really excited!”
Vellios joined Everton from Greek club Iraklis in January 2011 for 250,000 pounds.
Having made three substitute appearances for the Toffees towards the end of that season, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 Premier League victory over Wigan in September 2011.
On loan to Blackpool for the rest of the season. I am really excited !!!
— vellios apostolos (@tolisvellios) March 27, 2014
But he has not started a game for Everton since December 2011, having managed only six substitute appearances last season. He has not figured at all this term.
Manager Roberto Martinez criticised the forward in November, saying that he had damaged his Everton prospects by refusing to go out on loan.
But Vellios insisted in February that he had been prepared to go elsewhere for regular football, telling fans on Twitter: “Already asked to go for loan long time ago. No idea how hard I am working every day. Wish I had the chance to prove you wrong!”
Everton have also sent three other players out on loan. Midfielder John Lundstram, 20, has joined Leyton Orient, defender Matthew Pennington, 19, has gone to fellow League One side Tranmere, and forward Hallam Hope, 20, has made a move to League Two club Bury.