• Reserve rejects Derby, where he spent time earlier this season
• Provides back-up for injured Matty Fryatt in one-month deal

Leicester City have completed the signing of the Everton reserve striker James Vaughan on an initial one-month loan deal.

The 21-year-old has made 11 appearances this season, scoring twice. Earlier, Vaughan had a loan spell at Derby cut short by injury after just two appearances. They were keen to have him back after he returned to full fitness but their east Midlands rivals have instead acquired the England Under-21 international.

Leicester are fifth in the Championship and chasing promotion back to the Premier League after a six-year absence. Vaughan is eligible for their game against Cardiff on Saturday, with the Welsh club just two points behind them in the table.

With their leading scorer Matty Fryatt recovering from surgery after breaking his jaw in two places against Doncaster a month ago, the Leicester chairman, Milan Mandaric, hopes Vaughan can help provide goals in Fryatt’s absence.

“It was unfortunate to lose Matty Fryatt but James is a proper player,” said Mandaric. “It wasn’t simple. The player was wanted by other teams. I have a good relationship with the Everton chairman and I said to him that my manager would like the player and your manager wants him to get additional experience, so let’s close the deal.”

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