Everton want £40m Newcastle target after he scored against them in April

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Everton have reportedly joined Premier League rivals Newcastle in the race for Manchester United’s £40 million-rated midfielder Scott McTominay. 

Under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, it not take long to realise that the Manchester United academy graduate quickly was a bit of an awkward fit. Ten Hag wants midfielders capable of controlling the tempo and pulling the strings with probing passes and intelligent interplay. 

Scott McTominay, however, is a different sort of beast. 

One renowned more for his power and his athleticism rather than his technical ability. The goal he scored against Everton back in April – opening the scoring in a 2-0 win – showcased exactly what the Scotland international can bring to the table when utilised in a way which makes the best use of his skillset. 

McTominay’s running power and energy came to the fore as he raced onto a clever Jadon Sancho pass, slamming past Jordan Pickford at the near post. 

Could Everton sign Manchester United’s Scott McTominay?

Considering the style Sean Dyche looks to instill at Everton, 26-year-old McTominay could be a square peg in a square hole at Goodison Park. Dyche likes powerful, strapping central midfielders; Aboulaye Doucoure and Amadou Onana playing a major role in their survival last term. 

And The Athletic say that Everton is now a ‘possible destination’ for McTominay this summer. The 6ft 4ins colossus is younger than the now-30-year-old Doucoure, and offers more of a goal threat than Onana. 

Manchester United value McTominay at £40 million (ESPN). A Newcastle side backed by Saudi Arabian billionaires and offering Champions League football would presumably find it easier to meet United’s asking price than an Everton side facing another summer impeded by Financial Fair Play fears. 

Former England ace Danny Murphy believes McTominay would have no problems adapting to life at St James’ Park either; Eddie Howe getting the best out of the similarly hard-running Joelinton, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff. 

“I don’t think he will start in (Erik ten Hag’s) best XI,” Murphy tells talkSPORT (29 March, 12.50pm). of a man who has struggled to emulate Casemiro’s influence in a deeper role at Old Trafford.

“I think he would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle. He suits them and Eddie Howe down to the ground.

“He has probably this week put another £15 million on his head, maybe £20, you never know! A good week in football and you can be up another £10 or £20 million.

“But realistically, to play every week, he’s probably going to have to leave. Although I am not sure United will let him go. We will have to see on that one.”