Everton have reportedly now advanced to sign Wolfsburg midfielder Aster Vranckx.

The Lowdown: Gibbs-White talks

Journalist Dharmesh Sheth told Sky Sports on Thursday morning that the Goodison Park club remain in talks to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Wolves.

However, there is still a gap in valuation between the two Premier League sides, and the Old Gold have still yet to decide whether they actually want to sell the 22-year-old.

Personal terms are not thought to be a problem, but Bruno Lage's side are looking for in excess of £25m.

The Latest: Everton 'advance' for Vranckx

Taking to Twitter, RMC Sport journalist Loic Tanzi has revealed that both Everton and Nottingham Forest have now advanced to sign Vranckx.

He tweeted: "Two clubs advance for Aster Vranckx (2002 - Wolfsburg): Everton and N.Forest hope to be able to sign the Belgian."

The Verdict: Gibbs-White alternative?

Given that they play in the same position, and there is possibility that a deal for Gibbs-White could fall through, Vranckx could be seen as an alternative to the 22-year-old in Everton's search for a central midfielder.

The 19-year-old Belgian is thought to be part of a ‘very exciting’ crop of young midfield talents emerging for his country, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig. He is already playing at a high level in the Bundesliga, while he also featured four times in the Champions League last season (Transfermarkt).

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However, he only managed clip of him inexplicably missing an open goal while playing in his native Belgium went viral in 2020 (garnering more than 6.3m views), which would suggest that he needs to work on his finishing.

Nonetheless, Frank Lampard - who was known for his goalscoring from midfield - could help to coach that trait into Vranckx, so the Wolfsburg youngster could turn out to be a shrewd signing if the Toffees make a move for him.