Mason Holgate has followed in the footsteps of John Stones by leaving Barnsley for Premier League Everton.

The academy product, 18, declined a new contract offer from Barnsley in the summer and has not been involved in The Reds' opening two fixtures this season.

The Doncaster-born defender, who has excelled at right-back and wing-back despite being a central defender, has been the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs and spent a period on trial with Manchester United.

Holgate has now signed a five-year contract for The Toffees and Barnsley FC say the figure they have received exceeds the £500,000 sum reported.

Clauses have also been included as part of the deal which would see Barnsley rewarded financially if Holgate's move proves to be successful.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez told the club's website: "With Mason, an opportunity came up and we didn’t want to lose out. He is a young man with a very impressive future.

“His development is going to be important and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can have an impact on the first-team.

"But he is not a player who I would expect to perform straightaway in the Premier League - that would be very unfair.

“Mason, already at 18, has played 20 games in League One, which shows his incredible potential.

“I feel that we are the perfect place in order for Mason to develop into a top footballer.

"I know that he is a player who can bring us something quite unique, so we are excited about that possibility, even though he is one for the future rather than now.”

Holgate had been with the academy since his childhood and made 20 appearances for Barnsley, scoring one goal.