Having recently completed the signing of Nathan Patterson from Rangers and Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv for a combined £28 million, Everton are now looking elsewhere to strengthen their squad ahead of the final few months of the season.
The ECHO understands Sean Longstaff wants to secure a move to Everton from Newcastle United this month, although any possible transfer is unlikely to be straightforward. Sources who have knowledge of the dealings are said to be hopeful the move can go through though.
A switch to Everton would mean a reunion with former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez for the player. Longstaff - whose brother Matty also plays for Newcastle but is currently out on loan at Aberdeen - came through the Magpies’ academy and has impressed since breaking into the first-team squad during the 2018/19 season.
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He’s made 83 appearances in total for Newcastle, playing mostly as a holding midfielder in Steve Bruce’s team. However, since Eddie Howe took over in November, Longstaff has been dropped to the bench in five matches.
Known for his long-range shooting, he’s generally calm on the ball and competent with both feet, though strongest on his right. A move to Everton would likely see him act as cover for Allan but, with room to grow, it’s clear that Benitez sees something in him.
Back in 2018, after signing a four-year deal with Newcastle, the Spaniard said: “Sean is a young lad with great potential. He is keen to learn, he is a hard worker, and he has the quality and the talent to become a good player."
Longstaff came through the Newcastle youth setup but had to go out on loan to find first-team football before his breakthrough with his parent club. At the age of 19, his first spell out was with Kilmarnock where he played 17 times during the five months he spent in Scotland.
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His next loan destination, Blackpool, was where he really began to grow though. Under the management of Gary Bowyer, he played 42 times in League One finishing the campaign as their second-highest scorer with nine goals in all competitions from midfield.
It’s not all been plain sailing for Longstaff though. He faced a period out of the side one year ago with a serious injury but fought back to earn his place in the team to help Newcastle avoid relegation by taking 16 points from the last eight league matches.
With his contract up in the summer, this could be one for Everton to wait on. However, the prospect of him leaving on a free come the end of the season could force Newcastle to sell for a cut-price in this window.
Alternatively, the 24-year-old could remain with the team he’s always supported and has been tipped to become captain one day if he does so.
