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Everton pull off major coup by signing Lewis Gibson

By Paul Taylor

VOLUNTARI, ROMANIA - OCTOBER 30: Lewis Gibson (L) of England scores his team's first goal against Fabian Markl (R) of Austria during the UEFA Under-17 EURO Qualifier between U17 Austria and U17 England on October 30, 2016 at Anghel Iordanescu stadium in Voluntari, Romania. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images)
VOLUNTARI, ROMANIA - OCTOBER 30: Lewis Gibson (L) of England scores his team's first goal against Fabian Markl (R) of Austria during the UEFA Under-17 EURO Qualifier between U17 Austria and U17 England on October 30, 2016 at Anghel Iordanescu stadium in Voluntari, Romania. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images) /
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Everton fight off competition from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, to secure the signature of the highly rated defender, Lewis Gibson.

The chase for Lewis Gibson is finally nearing the finishing line, with Everton emerging as the winners. As reported by the Echo‘s Phil Kirkbride, the Blues have fought off competition from Manchester City, Tottenham and Southampton, to sign the highly rated defender.

Everton had actually already agreed a fee with Newcastle United last Wednesday. Kirkbride writes that the deal could eventually be worth more than £6 million.

However, the reason for the delay in the proceedings, was due to the Blues still needing to agree personal terms with Gibson. With this matter now resolved, we can expect an official announcement early this week, once he has completed his medical.

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Securing the signature of the 17-year-old cannot be underestimated. He is considered one of the brightest young talents in this country.

Gibson is a left-footed defender, who mostly plays at left back, but can also line up as a centre-half. He’s already enjoyed success at the international level, playing for England’s under-17s at this year’s European Championships and helping them reach the final, where they lost on penalties.

However, Evertonians will have to wait to see the Stanley-born youngster play for the first team. This season he will join David Unsworth and the Under-23s side, as they look to defend their Premier League 2 title.

In this respect, the Toffees are serious about building on last season’s success. Gibson is just the latest major signing who will play for the Unders-23s, with Josh Bowler and Boris Mathis also recently joining the club.

Understandably, losing Gibson is a big blow for Newcastle United. However, the writing was on the wall, when he turned down a professional deal from the Magpies.

Next: 3 takeaways from Everton's 1-1 draw with KRC Genk

How do you see Gibson fitting in at Everton? More specifically, what impact do you predict he’ll have in the Under-23s side? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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