Everton are reportedly interested in signing Sean Longstaff, with Rafael Benitez personally tracking the situation of the 23-year-old midfielder.
According to a report by The Athletic, Everton have set their sights on Sean Longstaff over a move in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old English midfielder is being closely monitored by former Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez, who is now at the helm at Goodison Park.
Sean Longstaff has been with Newcastle United since he joined the club’s youth setup in 2003, aged just six. Since then, he has progressed leaps and bounds to become a regular feature in the first-team squad. However, that was not before a couple of loan spells, one each respectively at Kilmarnock and Blackpool.
However, since enjoying his breakthrough in the 2018/19 season, he has regularly been linked with a move to a bigger club, with Manchester United among his earlier suitors. As for his spell so far with the Newcastle first-team, the 23-year-old has made 69 appearances to date, chipping in with four goals and as many assists. However, this summer, he could be on his way out of the Premier League club, with Everton interested.
The interest from the Toffees does not come as a big surprise, considering Rafael Benitez was at Newcastle when Longstaff grew in stature rapidly at St. James’ Park. So, with Everton in the market for a midfielder this summer – they have been linked with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Matheus Nunes and Marvelous Nakamba, among others – it is not hard to see why Longstaff is now a target.
As per The Athletic, Benitez is closely monitoring the 23-year-old’s situation himself, with his future at Newcastle certainly up in the air. Brother Matty Longstaff is likely to depart on loan, but it will be interesting to see if Sean Longstaff is offloaded as part of a permanent switch or a loan deal, provided Everton make their move.
The English midfielder’s prospects of featuring regularly at St. James’ Park is almost certain to take a hit, seeing as the Magpies are closing in on signing Joe Willock from Arsenal. So, with Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey already ahead of him in the pecking order, a move to Everton could suit Longstaff.
Having said that, the competition for places will definitely be intense at Goodison Park as well, with Allan expected to have nailed down one of the spots in the middle of the park. Nevertheless, it now remains to be seen if Everton even launch the offensive for the 23-year-old midfielder, bringing him over from fellow Premier League outfit Newcastle United.
