Rafa Benitez believes he can turn Daniel Jebbison into a Premier League striker if Everton win the race for Sheffield United’s Championship starlet, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
When it comes to developing young players, the Toffees boss is more Jose Mourinho than Pep Guardiola.
Much to the disappointment of many Newcastle United supporters, Benitez was reluctant to give opportunities to Adam Armstrong and Ivan Toney during his time on Tyneside.
The two strikers – who scored a combined 61 goals in England’s second tier last season – were sold for a combined £2.6 million, a decision that has aged about as well as a carton of Cravendale left out in the July sun.
So reports suggesting that Benitez has taken a keen interest in 18-year-old Jebbison might come as something of a surprise.
Perhaps, more than anything, it’s a reflection of just how talented the teenager striker is – that Benitez is willing to take on the Canada-born wonderkid as something of a personal project.
Will Everton beat Leeds and Aston Villa to Daniel Jebbison?
According to the Echo, the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea boss has been watching Jebbison very closely indeed, coming to the conclusion that the Bramall Lane starlet has the potential to star on the biggest of stages.
You’d imagine, during his regular scouting sessions, that Benitez has watched Jebbison’s history-making winner at Goodison Park on a loop.
Back in May, as bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United joined a lengthy list of clubs who triumphed on the blue half of Merseyside, Jebbison, became the youngest player in Premier League history to score on his full debut.
It is understood that Everton have made an opening bid of £5 million for a youngster who has also been linked with Leeds United, Aston Villa and Brentford.
Sheffield United want more than that, however, with the ball now firmly back in Benitez’s court with just four days of the transfer window remaining.
“He is a very good prospect as a football player and a very good worker,” Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic said this week.
“I’m sure he will be an important player in the Premier League and the England national team – why not?”
Benitez would be inclined to agree, it seems.
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