Former Newcastle United defender released by Premier League rivals as re-signing talk emerges

Former Newcastle United youngster Lewis Gibson has been released by Everton, however remains in talks to remain at Goodison Park.

Gibson quit his boyhood club in 2017 in a deal worth £6million but is yet to make a first team appearance for the Toffees.

The 22-year-old has spent the previous two years on loan at Fleetwood Town, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday - combining in a total of 24 Football League outings.

His contract at Everton expired on June 30, however the Liverpool Echo reports that Frank Lampard’s side remain in discussion over keeping the Gibson.

As a result, Gibson has been left out of the Toffees’ pre-season tour of the US, although it is hoped a new contract can be agreed by the end of the week.

There was brief talk of Gibson returning to United’s youth up in 2019 when Peter Beardsley departed as under-23s coach.

Gibson decided to stay put on Merseyside and signed a new contract which has now expired.