Ebbsfleet United have made another signing with an eye to the future by concluding a deal for young prospect Billy Holmes from Derby County.

The teenager joins the Fleet on a permanent basis.

Essex-born midfielder Holmes has been playing in the U18 Premier League for the Rams this season against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United.

He began his career as a West Ham schoolboy, playing for the U19 side in a cup tournament in Germany, but left the Hammers for Pride Park in the summer.

He is the second young player that Daryl McMahon has drafted in recently, following Reiss Greenidge’s signing, with the Fleet boss utilising his network of contacts in the youth game to the full.