OPINION
Newcastle United are positioning themselves to secure an emotional return to Tyneside for Everton centre back Lewis Gibson, but it’s certainly not a done deal at this stage.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this month that the Magpies are keen on bringing the youngster back to St James’ Park, with the player having grown frustrated with a lack of first team opportunities on Merseyside.
The 19-year-old’s current contract expires in the summer, and the Toffees are yet to make a move to extend it. With that said, Steve Bruce and co. are eyeing a free agent swoop for a player they sold to Everton for £6million in 2017.
However, there’s no doubt that Newcastle need to get a wiggle on, because they risk missing out on him at the moment. That’s because The Sun reported on Thursday that a host of German teams, as well as Scottish giants Rangers, are circling for the youngster.
That outside interest is the reason why Bruce needs to persuade the Magpies board to swoop for the teenager in January, rather than waiting it out until the summer.
That’s because in a few month’s time Gibson will be free to negotiate a deal with any foreign teams, meaning that Bundesliga sides and Rangers can seal a deal for him way before Newcastle could.
However, if Bruce can convince the club to pay a small fee for the player in January then he will be able to secure his signature six month’s ahead of schedule and before the Germans and the Scots can get to him.
