Everton are preparing a summer move for Wigan sensation Joe Gelhardt after dubbing the teenager the 'next Wayne Rooney', claims The Sun.
Gelhardt, who was born in Liverpool but a product of Wigan's youth academy, has been making waves for the Latic's underage sides this season.
The 17-year-old, who has already been capped up England's Under-18s, has also impressed when given the chance to play for Wigan's first-team this season.
Gelhardt scored his first senior goal for Wigan in their 2-2 draw with Hull in September on just his third league appearance for the club.
Gelhardt scored just three minutes after coming off the bench to rescue a point for the Latics.
He has made 12 league appearances in total this season but has been limited to just one start in that time.
Nevertheless, Everton's head of recruitment, Marcel Brands, is desperate to sign the exciting attacker, who has been dubbed the 'next Wayne Rooney'.
Of players to have featured in at least 10 Championship matches this season, Geldhart averages the most successful dribbles per 90 in the division (5).
