Lyon submit bid to hijack Everton deal to sign Yankuba Minteh – L’Equipe
Everton face competition from Ligue 1 side Lyon in their transfer pursuit of Newcastle United winger Yankuba Minteh, according to L’Equipe.
The French outlet reported (24 June) that Lyon have made an offer to Newcastle in a bid to beat Everton to the 19-year-old forward’s signature, with another Premier League side in Brighton also interested.
After 11 goals and six assists in 37 appearances for Feyenoord on loan last season, Minteh is in demand this summer, with Newcastle needing to sell in order to comply with profit and sustainability rules.
Despite Lyon’s confidence in tabling a bid to Newcastle, Minteh has reportedly already made up his mind and is keen to stay in the Premier League [Fabrizio Romano], however the Toffees could be left in the lurch themselves after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s move the other way was called off [Keith Downie].
Everton could now miss out on Yankuba Minteh transfer
While Minteh’s heart appears set on a move to Goodison Park, the need to meet PSR conditions at both ends of the transfer could throw a spanner in the works, allowing Lyon to swoop in and sign the Gambian.
Newcastle reportedly aren’t confident in Minteh stepping up to Premier League level with the same success as his Feyenoord loan, thus playing in Ligue 1 could represent a good stepping stone for the teenager [The Athletic, 24 June].
Dan Friedkin’s takeover on Merseyside could free up funds for the Toffees to close a deal regardless of Newcastle’s failed pursuit for Calvert-Lewin, but it remains to be seen if the Magpies’ asking price will increase as a result [Sky Sports, 20 June].
Lyon, owned by a billionaire in John Textor who was at one stage in talks to buy Everton, should have the capital necessary to complete a transfer for Minteh, and if Newcastle are faced with choosing between the two sides, don’t be shocked to see them decide against strengthening a Premier League rival [Simon Jordan, 28 May].
In other Everton news, a “fearless” player the Toffees have been linked with is now searching for a house in Liverpool.
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