Everton have set their eyes upon Wigan Athletic striker Joe Gelhardt, according to Alan Nixon of The Sun.
Everton Eye up Wigan Athletic Forward Joe Gelhardt
Next Wayne Rooney
Gelhardt is relatively inexperienced with the senior side having made only a handful of appearances.
The 17-year-old has claimed plenty of praise for his eye-catching performances with the Latics youth team and occasional first-team cameo.
A report by the Sun claims that Marcel Brandts, one of the hierarchy at Goodison Park, is keen on signing the youngster.
Wayne Rooney is a legend at Goodison Park having broken onto the scene as a teenager in 2002 before going on to be England captain.
Gelhardt has drawn comparisons to Rooney due to his lightning-quick feet and power in attack.
Born in Liverpool, the 17-year-old has featured for the England Under-18 side.
The Sun’s report describe him as being “rated the best kid Wigan have ever found.”
Gelhardt’s appearances have been limited with Paul Cook’s side struggling in the Championship.
When quizzed whether Gelhardt is on the fringes of being a regular feature, Cook said: “I think he is, everyone knows that.
“But I don’t really want to speak too much about him after the game, because I think it’s unfair on a young lad to have to shoulder too much, too soon.
“He’s only 17, he’s a fantastic talent who makes things happen on a football pitch. His time is coming, that’s for sure.”
The forward managed a debut goal against Hull City in September.
Everton are intensely interested in the teenager and Wigan face a fight to retain their star’s signature.
The Latics’ youth side made the last eight of the FA Youth Cup for the first time and starlets Jensen Weir, Kyle Joseph and Adam Devine are attracting interest from elsewhere.
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