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Talks over a new contract for Lewis Gibson are set to continue as a host of clubs circle around the young defender.

The 19-year-old is entering the final six months of his deal at Everton and discussions have so far failed to reach a resolution.

Gibson, it is understood, is looking for assurances over his pathway at Goodison and that the delay in agreeing new terms is not based on money but the plan for his future at the club.

The ECHO sat down for an exclusive interview with Lewis Gibson last season

The England youth international, signed from Newcastle United in the summer of 2017, is in demand and wanted by clubs on loan and permanently.

League One side Fleetwood Town are hoping to make a double swoop on Everton in this month, with Callum Connolly closing in on a loan move to the Highbury Stadium and Gibson is also in their sights.

Connolly had joined Lincoln City on a season-long deal but Everton are believed to have the option to recall him mid-season.

And Fleetwood, long-time admirers of Connolly - and a player they wanted to sign in the summer - could seal a move to the League One side in the next 48 hours.

Gibson, meanwhile, is attracting interest from other League One clubs such as Rotherham and Ipswich who want to take him on loan from the remainder of the season but he's unlikely to accept a short-term switch unless his contractual situation is resolved.

The teenager has interest from Dutch sides including Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar while clubs in Germany, and Scottish giants Celtic, have all keen on Gibson.