Frank Lampard and Everton step up pursuit of Wolves midfielder
Everton are pushing to agree a deal for Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, after already having a £25million bid rejected.
As per Mail Sport, the 22-year-old is also being targeted by other Premier League clubs, with Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Southampton monitoring the youngster’s situation.
Who is Everton target Morgan Gibbs-White?
Gibbs-White spent last season on loan at Championship side Sheffield United and played a key role in their journey to the promotion playoffs, and throughout their campaign.
He played 37 matches, scoring 12 goals and assisting 10, and became a fan favourite amongst Blades fans for his work rate and ability on the ball; to create attacks and dictate play up the pitch.
Despite his young age, he proved to be a standout name week in and week out in a squad of older and more experienced players. He brought an element of creativity and optimism in a season following United’s relegation and return to the Championship contributing greatly to the club finishing fifth place, ending his time in Yorkshire by firing in a comeback goal against Nottingham Forest in the playoff semi-final.
He ended the 2021/2022 campaign by being awarded Sheffield United’s ‘Player of the Year’ as well as their ‘Young Player of the Year’ awards.
The Englishman has represented his country in both the Under-17 and Under-21 national team. He will be keen to continue his fine form this season and look to receive a senior England team call-up from Gareth Southgate, especially with the Qatar 2022 World Cup looming.
The clubs monitoring Morgan Gibbs-White:
After being on the receiving end of two Gibbs-White goals last season, it’s no wonder Steve Cooper wants to bolster his attack with the young talent. With the prolific Brennan Johnson looking to make a name for himself in the Top-Flight, adding Gibbs-White to the mix would make Nottingham Forest a force to be reckoned with.
Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace will push for the return of loan signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, after the 22-year-old made his talents known at Selhurst Park throughout the 34 matches he played.
Whether or not they’re able to pry the England international from Thomas Tuchel’s grip, Gibbs-White can provide a like-for-like alternative and work under the Arsenal legend whilst gaining the Premier League experience he’s been desperate for.
On the back of a lacklustre and below-par season, Everton need some signings to even consider being positive about the upcoming season. They’ve lost one of their best players in Richarlison, after the Brazilian joined Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the transfer window.
Manager Frank Lampard will know that players like Gibbs-White will excite the fans and bring some positivity around the club. In order to be in with a chance of competing next season, they need to act quickly in the market in the coming weeks, and they can start by upping their bid for the Wolves midfielder to try and meet the club’s demands.
Ultimately, Wolves are not open to selling their man in any hurry, as the star still has two years left on his contract. They are actively trying to extend it, though, and talks have stalled recently, which may lead the West Midlands side to sell the midfielder so they receive a fee they deem worthy.