Rangers are set to test Carlo Ancelotti’s resolve with a summer swoop for Everton youth defender Lewis Gibson, according to Football Insider.
Gers boss Steven Gerrard had wanted to take Gibson on loan in the January window, but saw his approach turned down before the centre-half would join Fleetwood Town for the remainder of the campaign on Deadline Day.
Gibson has had an impressive start to life with the Fishermen with the League One side unbeaten over his three appearances to date, while helping goalkeeper Alex Cairns keep a clean sheet against Play-Off hopefuls Wycombe Wanderers.
Gerrard will aim to try his luck once more in the summer, though it is not suggested whether the former Liverpool captain will try and take the 19-year-old to his Europa League side on loan or will look to acquire him in a permanent deal.
Everton chiefs agreed on a contract extension with Gibson before he joined Fleetwood on loan, having otherwise been free to leave in the summer at the end of the terms penned upon his arrival from Newcastle United in 2017.
His new terms keep Gibson tied to Goodison Park until at least the summer of 2022, and the young defender stated before joining Fleetwood on loan: “I’ve had a few conversations with Marcel [Brands] over the past few months and the chats went well.
“He explained his plans for me and plans for the club, and they excited me so I couldn’t wait to sign. I feel I’ve developed massively since I joined the club.”
Would you send Gibson to Rangers on loan next season?
Yes
No
Our deal with the Magpies for Gibson set the club back an initial £1million though could rise to £6m if all add-ons are fulfilled, but has so far failed to return any senior appearances in Royal Blue.
The youth prospect has made a sole appearance in a matchday squad thus far in his Toffees career, after boss Carlo Ancelotti awarded the 6ft centre-half his first inclusion as we drew 1-1 with West Ham United last month.
Gibson has made 38 outings for our Under 23s across all competitions whilst scoring twice and assisting once, and helped to a youth double last term in the Premier League Cup and PL2.
His outings with Fleetwood to date have featured 1.3 tackles per game, plus 1.3 interceptions, 5.3 clearances, 6.0 aerial duels won (67%), 2.0 ground duels won (75%), wins possession in the final third 0.7 times and is yet to make an error that has led to a shot or goal, per Sofa Score figures.
In other Everton news, Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly eying a €20m deep-lying playmaker who is attracting interest from multiple English sides.