OXFORD United’s growing reputation as a club to develop young talent proved a key reason behind Ryan Ledson’s tough decision to leave Everton.

The talented midfielder signed a three-year deal yesterday for an undisclosed fee, which is believed to be in six figures.

Ledson got a taste for first-team football while on loan at Cambridge United last season and with chances limited at Goodison Park, the 19-year-old decided it was time to look elsewhere.

Other clubs were interested, but United’s track record at improving young players under head coach Michael Appleton was persuasive.

He said: “I spoke to the manager and he talked about developing young players.

“The likes of Kemar Roofe, who has come from West Brom and been sold to Leeds.

“That’s the aim for me, to come and develop as a player.

“There were a few (offers), but I thought this was the right club that was going to improve me as a player.

“The manager was really good at getting across what he wants the club to do in the future and I took to that.”

While Roofe is the poster boy for United’s programme of youth development, Ledson knows another of the rising stars already.

John Lundstram, who now skippers the U’s, played for Everton’s young sides with Ledson, while the link between the clubs was strengthened by Jonjoe Kenny’s loan at the Kassam Stadium last season.

Ledson, who was also an England teammate of Kenny’s at this summer’s Under 19 European Championships, said: “Jonjoe’s my best mate from Everton.

“I spoke to him when I was at Cambridge and he told me all about the club.

“He said it was a great place and he was a part of me moving here.

“I played with Lunny for a few years in the reserve team. I used to play in the middle with him so I know what a good player he is.

“He’s come here and done really well, I’m hoping to do the same as him.”

Ledson had spent three-quarters of his life in Everton’s youth system, but his solitary first-team appearance came two years ago against FK Krasnodar in the Europa League.

“It was a massive decision,” he said.

“I’ve been there for 14 years and the club have been very good for me.

“It’s been a big part of my life since I was a little kid, so to move away was a massive step. But I’ve got to do what’s best for me.”