Rangers are one of the teams interested in Everton centre-back Lewis Gibson, according to the Athletic (paywall). The 19-year-old is unhappy with his lack of first-team opportunities at Goodison Park and his current deal expires in the summer.
He can sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January, with the Gers, Newcastle and a number of German clubs said to be weighing up approaches for the England Under 20 international.
Gibson is a highly rated young talent but fans on Twitter are not sure if Rangers really need another centre-back in the squad:
Looking to play 7-2-1 next season
— gordy (@weepaljoe_) October 17, 2019
This makes sense. Young well rated centre back we'd get for virtually nothing. I wonder if an offer is expected for one of the centre backs we have now. We have seen all 4 of them play and we know they are all good players that would quite easily play every week
— Alan McPhail (@almcp01) October 17, 2019
I think we should be doing this for most positions. So much potential in snapping up youngsters from the epl who are good enough , but have 3/4 players ahead of them in their position.
— Stevie Watt (@esteban_pardon) October 17, 2019
Are we planning to sell a centre back ?♂️
— John Mason (@johnmasonrtid) October 17, 2019
Seen quite a bit of Lewis Gibson playing for England youth sides and against Manchester United youth sides on MUTV. Very good player and can play left back also.
— Graeme McGraw (@GMCG178) October 17, 2019
Whilst I’m all for buying good young talent, if he’s frustrated at a lack of game time at Everton I’m not sure that he would get more with us given hat we have 4 gold centre halves.
— beggarsbanquet68 (@beggarsbanquet1) October 17, 2019
Rangers are crying out for Centre Backs as well…
— David Taylor (@Big_Hamish) October 17, 2019
Listen, I wouldn’t say no to more quality players. It sounds like he is more than one for the future and will want first team football, which will be limited at Rangers unless we sell one of Goldson, Helander, Katic or Edmundson – who are all very decent centre backs.
— Copland Roar (@CF3Loyal) October 17, 2019
With Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic, Filip Helander and George Edmundson, the Light Blues are well stocked in the centre of defence, but, as with Joe Aribo, the chance to sign Gibson may be too good to pass up.
The teenager came through the academy at Newcastle and has caps at Under 17, Under 18 and Under 20 level for England. However, since moving to Everton two years ago, he has failed to make a first-team breakthrough and he is yet to make his senior debut.