Norwich City defender Ciaren Jones is heading out for his first loan experience and will spend next season with Eastbourne Borough.

Eastern Daily Press: Ciaren Jones during Norwich City's pre-season training camp in Germany in 2018 Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus ImagesCiaren Jones during Norwich City's pre-season training camp in Germany in 2018 Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: Paul Chesterton)

The 19-year-old joined from Luton Town and became a regular in central defence for City's U23s, making 19 appearances this season, but will look to get regular game time in National League South.

The youngster said: "I'm delighted to be making a step up from U23s football with my first loan move. It's going to be good for me to get some proper experience of men's football.

"I'm really excited to get started in a tough league. I look forward to playing many games for Eastbourne."

Eastbourne finished 18th in the second tier of non-league but have since appointed former Portsmouth and Manchester City striker Lee Bradbury as their manager, after six years at Havant & Waterlooville had ended in relegation from the National League.

Speaking to Borough's website, Bradbury said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have managed to secure the signature of Ciaren Jones from Premier League club Norwich City.

"Ciaren is a fantastic footballing centre-half that just needs some men's football for him to mature into the player he wants to be. I honestly think this lad has bright future ahead of him and I am excited at the prospect of him playing for us next season.

"I would like to thank Norwich loans manager Neil Adams for his help on getting this done."

MORE: Could City youngster be the next to follow in the footsteps of Aarons and Lewis?

The tall defender heads to the East Sussex coastal club having been one of eight U23 players to sign new deals until at least 2020 with City back in February.

Oddly, the loan follows an online report in April that suggested Liverpool, Leicester City and West Ham were interested in Jones, according to FootballInsider247.com.

The defender spoke to us about his future prospects during this season, saying he hoped to follow in the footsteps of fellow former Luton players Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis into the Norwich first team.