Liverpool and Everton are leading the race to sign exciting Wigan forward Joe Gelhardt.

The 17-year-old is extremely highly-rated and has managed to force his way into Paul Cook's plans this season, featuring four times for the first-team and scoring one wonderful goal which came against Hull.

However, his undoubted talent has caught the eye, with The Sun revealing that Chelsea and Liverpool were keen on the player in the past.

And, TEAMtalk have given another update on Gelhardt's situation, claiming that Everton have joined their Merseyside rivals in the race for the England youth international, with the player set to decide on his future.

Of course, the Latics will be reluctant to lose the teenager who is contracted to the club until the summer of 2021.

Having said that, they will know that it's going to be tough to keep hold of their prized asset if serious bids come in from the Premier League pair.

Gelhardt was an unused substitute as Wigan beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the DW Stadium this afternoon.

The verdict

It's going to be very hard for Wigan to keep hold of the forward this summer but that won't come as a surprise as it's became apparent for some time that he has the potential to go to the top.

Despite this report acting like a deal is imminent, it's not out of the question that he does stay because he still has time on his contract.

Ultimately though, money talks and it shouldn't be a problem for either Liverpool or Everton to stump up the cash to bring Gelhardt in and he could be seen as a smart long-term investment for both.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.