Matty Pennington is closing in on a season long loan move to Ipswich Town.

The 23-year-old defender is due to travel south this afternoon in order to complete the switch.

Pennington spent last season on loan with Leeds United but was keen on another spell away from Goodison as soon as it became clear his first-team chances would be limited.

(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

The Academy graduate was an unused substitute on Wednesday night as Everton defeated Rotherham in the Carabao Cup second round.

But Everton have sanctioned his release for the duration of the campaign despite Marco Silva dealing with a mounting injury list at the heart of his defence with Phil Jagielka, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina all sidelined until at least after the international break.

Silva only has Mason Holgate and Kurt Zouma as fit centre-backs for tomorrow's game with Huddersfield.