Everton and Newcastle United discussed a potential swap deal involving Tom Davies during negotiations over a move to Goodison Park for Sean Longstaff, according to The Athletic.
The Toffees and Toon discussed exchanging their academy products as Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce looked to rejuvenate their midfields. But, in the end, both remained at their respective sides past Tuesday’s deadline for transfers as both managers went without.
Benitez could only strengthen Everton’s ranks with deals for forwards Salomon Rondon, Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. While Bruce only added Joe Willock for £25m, after spending the latter half of last season on loan from Arsenal.
Bruce expected Newcastle to add more midfielders beyond signing Willock permanently, with Leicester’s Hamza Choudhury his most coveted option. The Magpies also explored Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara on Deadline Day, but will rely on Longstaff after he stayed.
Everton courted Longstaff and discussed sending Davies to Newcastle to reunite Benitez with the 23-year-old he debuted in 2018. The idea was floated around but failed to stick, as Director of Football Marcel Brands sought to circumnavigate the Toffees’ financial issues.
Longstaff was open to leaving Newcastle amid Everton’s interest this summer, The Athletic reported last month. His progress has stagnated drastically under Bruce following a serious knee injury he sustained under Benitez back in March 2019. He now accepts his future may be best served away from Tyneside, where he struggles to hold down consistent minutes.
United would have let Longstaff join Everton, too, had they met a £10m asking price, per the Daily Mail. The Newcastle-born anchor is out of contract next summer and the Toon would recieve any compensation if he leaves for free after turning 24 this October.
Should Everton and Newcastle have swapped Davies and Longstaff?
Longstaff fell out of the Newcastle side once in 10 Premier League fixtures under Benitez before sustaining his knee injury. The now-Everton boss even suggested, via The Guardian, the Toon product should receive a call-up for England at the time.
Benitez has also remained in contact with Longstaff since leaving Newcastle, The Athletic note. The Spaniard has regularly offered his summer target advice on how to find his feet again. And would likely have preferred those boots running around Goodison than Davies’.
Davies is yet to feature in the Premier League under Benitez, who omitted the 23-year-old from his squad at Brighton. Even if the £25,000-per-week ace can produce, what Carlo Ancelotti hailed as, ‘perfect’ displays, via the Liverpool Echo. So, it makes sense for Everton and Newcastle to discuss exchanging Longstaff and Davies, even if no deal materialised.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
