Everton are already making plans for the summer transfer window.
David Moyes wanted to add to his squad in January but only managed to get one new signing through the door in Carlos Alcaraz.
The Friedkin Group and Moyes decided to keep their powder dry in order to give their summer budget a boost.
So, Everton’s squad is set to undergo major surgery at the end of the season as Moyes eyes a number of domestic talents.
The Scotsman is big on recruiting from the Championship and sent Everton scouts to watch Sunderland’s Chris Rigg.
Burnley defender Maxime Esteve has also been linked to Everton after his impressive campaign under Scott Parker.
And now, it’s becoming clear that the Toffees have a genuine chance of signing a Premier League star, too.
Everton step up interest in Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff
Everton News exclusively revealed last week that Moyes wants to sign Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff this summer.
Sean Longstaff has graduated through the Newcastle academy to become a key fixture of the first team over the last six years, but his career on Tyneside could be coming to an end.
According to the Chronicle Live, Longstaff is approaching a crossroads as he has just one year remaining on his deal.
It’s thought the 27-year-old could wave goodbye to his boyhood club this summer, with the Toffees now ramping up their interest.
The report adds that an early summer transfer could unfold, with Longstaff no longer making Eddie Howe’s starting line-up.
Longstaff valued at around £12m
Newcastle have already approved Longstaff’s exit as they informed the Friedkin Group earlier this year that he could leave if his £12m price tag was met.
Everton may be able to wangle that down a little come the summer as they hold the negotiating cards given Longstaff’s contract situation.
The Newcastle midfielder would be a viable replacement for Orel Mangala, who is set to return to his parent club Lyon.
The only real concern with Longstaff is that he may take some time to get back to match fitness, having hardly played this term.
He hasn’t played a full 90 minutes in the league since November.
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