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Everton director of football Marcel Brands is desperate to sign Wigan starlet Joe Gelhardt but face competitions from other clubs in order to get his signature. Gelhardt has showed glimpses of his high potential in 12 Championship appearances this season, most of which have come from the bench.
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"I've been at this club since the age of 10, it's nearly eight years in February that I've been making my way through the Academy,” Gelhardt said after signing his next deal last year.
"The first thing I want to do is thank all of the staff at the Academy. They've taught me everything coming up as a young player.
“I’ve got to thank all of my family as well, they've supported me growing up, so we're all over the moon that I've committed my future to this club.
"I'm always training my hardest and playing my best for my family, they're my motivation, so signing the contract with my Mum sat next to me was a great experience.
Joe Gelhardt has captained England in his age group (Image: Getty)
"I've had eight years here, but before I joined the club, I was rejected three or four times by local teams like Liverpool and Everton.
"The experience I've had at Wigan on the way up the age groups has been really good, but I've had to work very hard for it.
"It's a great privilege to play for this club. I enjoy coming into work every day, it's a great environment.
“I love working with all of the staff and the senior players have always been very welcoming.
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“The fans have given me a big boost with their messages of support. I just like being here, which is why I've extended my contract.
“It's a big confidence boost when I hear the fans singing my name, it gives me that extra percentage and I want to do my best for the fans when I play. The fans are great. I love the fans."