Young Newcastle Defender Lewis Gibson Poised to Join Everton With Player Absent From Toon Pre-Season

Young Newcastle centre-back Lewis Gibson has not trained with the club since May with rumours circulating that he is poised to join Everton. 

Lee Ryder, the Chronicle’s chief sports writer has reported, via his personal Twitter account, that the 17-year-old has not returned to pre-season training with the player pushing for a move to Everton.

The youngster is yet to make an appearance for the Newcastle's first team, but has made a few appearances for the U23 side. 

He has also played 16 times for England's U17 side and has attracted a whole host of attention from other Premier League suitors.

Gibson only has one-year left on his contract and Newcastle are helpless to prevent him from leaving with his scholarship deal meaning his contract can be terminated at any time.

Ronald Koeman views the player as an ideal player for his U23 side with the view to give him a chance in the first team when he develops more physically. 

Both clubs must now finalise a compensation fee or the Court of Arbitration for Sport will determine his value.

The Magpies are yet to comment publicly on Gibson’s impending exit to Everton and signed centre-backs Stefan O’Connor and Josef Yarney who will play in Newcastle’s U23 side this season.

With Newcastle U23  in the Checkatrade Trophy this year they will be looking to bolster their squad before the start of the new campaign.