Everton appear to have lost out on the signing of 18-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh, who had attracted the attention of a number of clubs.
Indeed, Everton were said to have been impressed by the young Gambian, who has now agreed to join Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Agreeing a fee of £6m, Minteh joins Eddie Howe’s side from Danish outfit Odense, though the report states that the Magpies may loan the youngster out next season.
That is according to 90MIN, who report that alongside Everton and Newcastle, Minteh attracted attention from Brighton, Ajax, Feyenoord, Club Brugge and Marseille.
Indeed, in eight league appearances in Denmark last season, Minteh contributed two goals and three assists in a run of form that attracted suitors from across Europe.
At just 18-years-old, the teenager is clearly one for the future and could have been an exciting addition to Sean Dyche’s squad as Everton look to rebuild this summer.
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Creativity has been notably absent from Goodison Park for much of the past season, as have goals and the arrival of a prodigious young talent could have provided a much-needed boost for Everton fans.
However, Newcastle have snapped the young man up and the Blues will now have to look elsewhere as the club enters a hugely significant summer.
Newcastle are now simply a better proposition than Everton for new talent
Everton must invest wisely, particularly in attack as the Blues cannot afford a repeat of transfer window mistakes of recent seasons, such as Neal Maupay’s £15m switch from Brighton last summer.
Indeed, Everton’s defence also requires a restructure following Yerry Mina’s departure and Conor Coady returning to his parent club Wolves following a loan deal with the Blues.
Everton may well have missed out on Yankuba Minteh, but the Toffees must prioritise at least one attacker this summer.