Director of Football Steve Walsh is heading up a massive recruitment drive in the Everton academy over the next few months as they seek to add more developmental talents in the 16-18 age group.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are one of a number of sides eager to sign highly-rated Newcastle United defender Lewis Gibson in the summer.
The report claims that the Toffees are leading the race to sign the 16-year-old at the end of the season but the Celtic, along with Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Southampton are all keen.
Gibson made his debut for the Newcastle U18 side in January and has also been called up to their U23s on a few occasions as he progresses through the ranks at St. James’ Park
The versatile defender can play centre-back or left-back and is set to become a free agent when his contract with the newly-promoted club expires at the end of next season.
Currently away with the England U17s, Gibson is one of Walsh’s top targets as he looks to bolster the Everton academy.
