According to AS, Everton have made contact with Ramon Planes, after Newcastle also spoke to the 54-year-old.
What’s the story?
Well, it seems Everton have found the man they’d like to replace Marcel Brands, as talks with the Sporting Director have begun.
AS believe Newcastle were the first Premier League club to contact the Spaniard.
However, the Magpies eventually decided against hiring a Director of Football (DOF), in preference of a committee who make joint decisions.
Having said that, Newcastle did hire former West Brom Technical Director Nick Hammond to help them with recruitment this month.
It was a concerning move, as the West Brom fans are far from happy about Hammond’s efforts during his time at the Hawthorns.
Now, it’s Everton who are more likely to land Planes.
AS state that Rafa Benitez is currently in charge of transfer dealings after the departure of Brands, but he could be open to working alongside Planes.
Who is Ramon Planes, the man Everton and Newcastle have spoken to?
Interestingly, Planes had a contract with Barcelona until June 2022, although he recently asked to leave – his wishes were granted.
The Spaniard has a keen eye for wonderkids, having signed the likes of Pedri and Ronald Araujo for Barcelona, while also helping to develop Gavi and Ilaix Moriba.
Planes was also at the Camp Nou when Antoine Griezmann was signed in 2019 for a sum of £107m, which shows he knows how to pull off the headline deals as well as low profile transfers for huge prospects.
Everton have done well in the absence of Brands, signing two exciting options at full-back in Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson.
However, it seems as if the Toffees are planning to find a replacement for the Dutchman, or else they wouldn’t have got in touch with Planes.
Keep an eye on this saga, as the Spaniard could soon be heading for the Premier League.
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