Report: Everton lost out to PL rivals on Tuesday signing
Newcastle United clinched the signing of Schalke midfielder Nabil Bentaleb on loan on Tuesday, with Everton apparently losing out.
The Magpies announced the deal on their official website, as they brought the former Tottenham Hotspur star back to the Premier League.
However, there has been more than just mere whispers that the Toffees were also sniffing around the Algerian international.
Indeed, Football Insider reported early on Tuesday that both Carlo Ancelotti’s side and Crystal Palace displayed interest in the 25-year-old prior to the Magpies tying a deal up.
The Blues have been linked with plenty of central midfielders in this window, with the middle of the park clearly a priority for the new manager.
Is Bentaleb a big loss for Everton?
Well, in terms of the position he plays he is, because the team really needs some reinforcing in central midfield.
But as for Bentaleb as a player and as a character? Probably not. He’s not played all season due to disciplinary issues, which is a major red flag.
Yes, he’s a decent midfielder and he’ll probably do a solid job for Steve Bruce, but Everton should be looking at a higher calibre of player and person than this anyway.
In other Everton news, Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has admitted he’s a big fan of one Toffees star.