Lewis Gibson would 'love' a return to Newcastle United after seeing the progress of the Longstaff brothers.
That's the opinion of pundit of Noel Whelan, who believes the Everton defender could also be lured by the prospect of first-team football in Germany.
The former Coventry City and Leeds United striker believes the left-sided centre-back has 'outgrown' under-23s football on Merseyside.
The Toffees have endured a sticky start to the season, and Whelan fears Gibson's opportunities under Marco Silva will be limited this season.
Speaking to Football Insider, the pundit believes Gibson would be open to a return to Tyneside having seen both Sean and Matty Longstaff make the first-team grade.
Whelan said: “He’s clearly a big talent, but no matter how promising you are, you need to be playing first-team football to really develop.
“Under-23s is brilliant for learning the game, but Gibson has outgrown that level.
"The problem for him and the other Everton youngsters is that Marco Silva is not one for blooding youngsters, not even in the League Cup.
“He prefers to stick with senior players who he can trust. Given Everton’s predicament that is not going to change.
“I can see Gibson going to Germany, where they are fast-tracking talented British youngsters. Or back to Newcastle.
"He can see how the Longstaff brothers are making waves at first-team level and will think, ‘I would love a bit of that’.”
