Everton and Sheffield United cash plus players ‘deal to be done’ for Iliman Ndiaye and Mason Holgate – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Thelwell has to aim for a cash plus players swap deal between Everton and Sheffield United as both sides are interested in each other’s players, says Kevin Campbell.
The Toffees want Blades striker Iliman Ndiaye, with Fabrizio Romano reporting on 5 July that there were “crucial days ahead” in the race for the 23-year-old amid months-long interest from Goodison Park.
At the same time the newly-promoted Premier League side want Mason Holgate, with talkSPORT suggesting advanced talks over a loan had already commenced on 26 June, but Campbell thinks it is a no-brainer to combine the two and seek an agreement that suits all parties.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News the Sky Sports pundit and former Toffees captain said: “Well, if Sheffield United want one of Everton’s players and Everton want one of their players then it’s something that you’ve got to try and make happen haven’t you?
“You’ve got to get your negotiating skills [involved]. Kevin Thelwell I’m sure will be looking at every avenue to see what he can do.
“If there could be an exchange of a player you have to look at every avenue there, for sure.
“There’s a deal to be done.”
Holgate’s time with Everton looks to be coming to an end, as he was only given four Premier League appearances by Sean Dyche last season, largely out of position, and was booed off in defeat to Manchester City on 14 May.
Attacking options are an absolute necessity this summer and Ndiaye, 23, looks to be on the move during the window after 14 goals and 11 assists in the Championship last season.
The budget for Dyche and Thelwell is believed to be tight, so if the inclusion of Holgate into the deal can knock a few million off the cost then there is every reason to try to get it done.
In other Everton news: the Toffees have caused “surprise” at another club after tabling an unexpected offer to sign a sought-after player.