Everton remain interested in Sean Longstaff and could target the Newcastle United star in January, as they believe he will be available for a cut-price transfer, per the Liverpool Echo.
Longstaff only has nine-months remaining on his contract at St James’ Park after staying put on Tyneside this summer. Everton explored a deal for the 23-year-old, as Rafa Benitez sought to strengthen his midfield options at Goodison Park.
Benitez debuted Longstaff in the Premier League during the Everton boss’ time in charge at Newcastle and remains a fan. The Toffees and Toon even discussed a swap-deal with Tom Davies potentially joining Steve Bruce’s side. But the Blues product was not interested.
Davies snubbed Newcastle as he wanted to remain at Goodison, while Everton valued him in excess of Longstaff’s worth. Per the Daily Mail, the Magpies demanded £10m to sell their academy product, despite being out of contract next year.
Now, Everton believe Longstaff will be available for a cut-price sum in January or Newcastle risk him leaving for free. The Mirror have reported the Toon will open talks over a new deal soon. He has also regained a key role in Bruce’s plans with minutes in all games this term.
Benitez will likely look to sign a midfielder in the winter market as the Spaniard wants more quality options there. Davies and Andre Gomes have proven inconsistent so far this term, while Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin have struggled with injuries.
Another option Everton may explore in the January sales is a new approach for Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek. Director of Football Marcel Brands spoke with the Red Devils on Deadline Day, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blocked the Dutchman leaving Old Trafford.
Should Everton reexplore signing Newcastle midfielder Longstaff?
Everton manager Benitez was a huge advocate for Longstaff’s potential while in charge at Newcastle and has retained his admiration. The Athletic also noted this summer that he kept in contact with the midfielder after leaving St James’ and regularly offered him advice.
Longstaff’s efforts under Benitez additionally saw the Magpies move to hand him a £25k-a-week contract in December 2018. Jamie Redknapp also likened the Newcastle-born star to Michael Carrick while offering effusive praise in February 2019, via Chronicle Live:
“He’s well-organised, he’s got good feet, very comfortable on the ball and he’s played in big games. He reminds me a little bit of Michael Carrick. He’s got that nice stance and the way he plays, always looking to pass the ball to a black-and-white shirt. He has got a nice pass from either foot. That’s a massive asset to have and he can score goals, as well.”
Everton, then, could sign their own Carrick if Benitez looks to raid Newcastle for a cut-price transfer in January. Manchester United icon Carrick, meanwhile, would not comment on the comparisons, but added his own praise for Longstaff in 2019. Noting, via Chronicle Live:
“It’s not fair on Sean, if anything, [to make comparisons]. He is carving his own career out for himself and has got his own traits and strengths. He is obviously a fantastic talent and doing well at the moment. He’s still very young. In terms of Premier League games, he hasn’t played an awful lot of games, but the future is obviously bright for him.”
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