Everton are reportedly set to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of Newcastle’s Lewis Gibson.
According to The Chronicle, Everton are set to win the race to sign Newcastle United defender Lewis Gibson, ahead of Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Toffees may have grabbed headlines by signing the likes of Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane and Wayne Rooney, but they have also placed a strong focus on signing players for the future.
General view inside St. James’ Park
Nathangelo Markelo, Josh Bowler and Boris Mathis have all arrived to boost the youth ranks at Goodison Park, and Ronald Koeman’s men appear to be on the verge of another similar addition.
The Chronicle claim that Newcastle United defender Lewis Gibson is on the verge of joining Everton in a deal worth around £6million, with the 17-year-old’s time at St. James’ Park coming to an end.
Gibson has come up through the ranks with the Magpies, but the centre back will now head to Everton after the Toffees seemingly fended off competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs should be disappointed to miss out on Gibson, not only because of manager Mauricio Pochettino’s track record with developing young, English players, but also as he could have been an heir to Jan Vertonghen, all of which makes him somewhat ideal as a Spurs signing despite that £6million fee.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Spurs star Vertonghen will turn 31 by the end of this coming season, and whilst that isn’t an immediate concern, Tottenham may well be looking for a young, left-footed centre back to eventually replace him down the line – especially with Kevin Wimmer potentially leaving the club this summer.
Gibson fit the bill perfectly for Pochettino, and Spurs may have hoped to have him groomed to replace Vertonghen for when the Belgian reaches his mid-30’s, but they look to have missed out on his signature, leaving Pochettino and co to watch how Gibson’s career unfolds at Everton.
Would you have liked to see Spurs sign Gibson?
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