Everton hold initial talks over deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff
Everton have held introductory talks over a move to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, according to The Athletic.
Patrick Boyland and Greg O’Keeffe, writing on the online news outlet’s website on Wednesday [11/08/21], claim Rafa Benitez and the 22-year-old have “kept in touch” after their time spent together at the north-East club, with talks held over a move to take him to Goodison Park.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Blues were monitoring the Englishman’s situation, but it appears there has been movement.
Uninspiring?
Longstaff burst onto the scene in 2018, impressing Benitez during his tenure as Magpies boss.
He made 13 appearances during his debut 2018/19 campaign before the Spaniard exited his post at the north-East club.
Gary Lineker was suitably impressed by his performances, suggesting he would be in line for an England national team call-up in the future.
The box-to-box midfielder has since made 45 Premier League appearances over the past two seasons, taking his overall tally to 54 in the top-flight.
However, he has not exactly shone for Newcastle recently.
Longstaff remains a solid Premier League midfielder, and his prior relationship with Benitez would help him if he does make the move to Goodison Park.
But does he slot straight into our midfield? Probably not, and we need to be targeting a higher profile of player.
Of course, if he is brought in on loan or for a small fee and is a squad player, then it could be a smart move.
But it’s not exactly a signing to inspire the fanbase, and supporters will be expecting transfers of a higher calibre before the end of the transfer window.
In other Everton news, the Blues want to sign this 2020/21 European title winner who was at Real Madrid under Rafa Benitez.
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