Everton were very close to getting a deal done for Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek on deadline day.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who made the claim whilst speaking on the latest episode of his ‘Here We Go’ podcast.
Romano covered deals that didn’t happen in the summer window and around deadline day, including Van de Beek to Goodison Park.
The transfer insider suggested that Everton were ‘more than close’ to signing Van de Beek, with an agreement in place with the midfielder.
Romano claims ‘it was a done deal really’ between Everton and Van de Beek, but Manchester United stepped in and refused to let him go.
“Everton, on deadline day, they were more than close to signing Donny van de Beek. They had an agreement with the player, they had a project for the player,” said Romano.
“They were prepared to sign Donny van de Beek on loan. They were also prepared to give Manchester United what they wanted for Donny van de Beek. Everton were really, really close. Benitez wanted him. It was more than an idea, it was a done deal really between Everton and Donny van de Beek, but Manchester United said no,” he added.
Van de Beek cost United around £40million last summer having excelled at Ajax, but he has found first-team football hard to come by at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old has yet to even play a minute in the Premier League this season, and he is surely fearing stalling with the Red Devils.
Van de Beek has admitted there was interest from Everton, but no deal was done.
This weekend will be key; Fred looks set to be prevented from playing whilst Scott McTominay is injured, so if Van de Beek can’t even play against Newcastle United… he may need to leave in January.
Everton would be wise to keep tabs on Van de Beek’s situation over the coming months, as he may be more tempted to push for a move then if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to leave him out.
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