Everton pipped Newcastle United to forward Sandro Ramirez last summer.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United pursued the signature of forward Sandro Ramirez last summer, but were pipped by Premier League rivals Everton.
Former Barcelona talent Sandro had starred with Malaga, hitting 14 goals in 30 games for the Spanish club, sparking interest from clubs around Europe.
Everton swooped to land him, but he endured a miserable season, making just three Premier League starts before being sent out on loan to Sevilla back in Spain during the January transfer window.
Now, The Chronicle report that Newcastle wanted to land Sandro in a £5million deal last summer after Rafael Benitez targeted his signature, with owner Mike Ashley encouraging a deal – only for Everton to beat them to his signature.
At the time, that will have been a major boost for Everton, but his disappointing campaign may leave them considering offloading the forward this summer – and Newcastle should at least consider re-joining the race for his signature.
The Magpies need attacking reinforcements, and Sandro’s ability to play out wide, up front of behind a striker should still be hugely appealing to Benitez, just as it was last summer.
Everton are unlikely to stand in Sandro’s way after a slow transition into English football, but his record with Malaga shows that the 22-year-old certainly still has talent, and needs both trust and playing time to fulfil his potential.
Benitez may be the man to nurture Sandro, and whilst his wages may be an issue after Everton blew them out of the water, the Magpies should look to benefit from Everton possibly offloading the forward after just a year at Goodison Park.
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