Newcastle United’s England youth international Lewis Gibson is the latest under-the-radar talent to be linked with a move to Ronald Koeman’s Everton.
Everton’s much-heralded appointment of former Leicester City scout Steve Walsh as their new director of football may not have resulted in a spree of marquee signings arriving at Goodison Park.
Walsh has gone about his business quietly so far. And although The Toffees may have plenty to do to ensure their medium-term future matches their lofty, Champions League chasing ambitions, the clubs’ long-term prospects look healthy with Walsh pulling the strings.
After all, 16-year-old Newcastle United defender Lewis Gibson is the latest in a long line of talented teenagers reportedly on Everton’s radar.
The Liverpool Echo report that Gibson, an England Under-17 international, is also on the radar of Celtic, Arsenal and Manchester City – three clubs led by managers renowned for their ability to hone young talent.
Nonetheless, the publication adds that the Stanley-born centre-back is a major part of Walsh’s future plans, with the esteemed talentspotter overseeing a wide-ranging recruitment drive targeting some of Europe’s most highly-rated youngsters.
First of many?
The Toffees are going head to head with a number of Premier League rivals for 19-year-old Blackpool winger Bright Osayi-Samuel, as reported by The Sun. Meanwhile, Everton have also been credited with an interest in Sheffield Wednesday forward George Hirst and Nottingham Forest phenomenon Ben Brereton.
And, according to The Telegraph, Everton will happily pay up to £1 million for Forest’s 15-year-old scholar Brennan Johnson.
Therefore, £11 million January signing Ademola Lookman could have plenty of company at Goodison Park in the coming months.
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