Everton is reportedly keeping tabs on young Gillingham goalkeeper, Joe Walsh, according to the Evening Times.
The 17-year-old stopper, who is of interest to a number of top clubs, signed his first professional contract with the Gills in the summer and has made a couple of first-team appearances in the Leasing.com Trophy (as per Transfermarkt).
Reportedly, Walsh is quickly making a big impression on Gills boss Steve Evans and has been a ‘big plus’ for the Kent club this term (as per Kent Online).
Competition for the youngster’s signature
According to the report linking the Toffees to Gillingham’s young ‘keeper, there are also a number of other top clubs circling to secure his services (as per Evening Times).
Two other Premier League sides in Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are added to by Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig and Scottish Premier League giants Celtic, in their interest of the 17-year-old.
So, should Marco Silva’s side attempt to launch a transfer bid for the youngster, it is likely they may have a battle on their hands to secure his services.
TiF Tactics – Is it a good move for the Toffees?
While Walsh may be somewhat of an unknown quantity to those that are outside of scouting circles and clued up on Gillingham – it is a deal that would still make sense for the Toffees.
The 17-year-old featured in the Gills’ recent Leasing.com Trophy clash against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s, in which he kept a clean sheet, proving he can cut it against youngsters of a Premier League level (per Sky Sports).
Coupled with the number of large European clubs vying for the young stopper’s signature (as per Evening Times), he will have talent if they all see something in him.
Already standing at 6’4″ it is doubtless that the youngster will reach the athletic build to be a goalkeeper and should Everton pursue, as he is 17 years of age, should not represent an extortionate outlay to purchase.