Everton have held discussions to sign Newcastle United forward Yankuba Minteh in the summer transfer window, according to Gianluca di Marzio.
The Sky Italia journalist reported online (21 June) that a host of clubs, including the Toffees, are in talks to sign the 19-year-old who could be allowed to leave St James’ Park this summer.
Sean Dyche needs to bolster the attacking department this summer after Everton agreed to offload Lewis Dobbin. The Toffees could also lose their star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer, with Newcastle reportedly keen to secure his services.
French outfit Marseille and Serie A giants AS Roma are also in the race to sign Minteh who enjoyed an impressive last season on loan at Feyenoord.
Everton need to spend big to sign Yankuba Minteh
The Telegraph claimed earlier this month that Newcastle could accept bids of around £40 million for the Gambia international.
While Eddie Howe wants him to stay, the financial realities at St James’ Park could force them to sell one of their prized assets. However, Di Marzio says the young winger is valued at around £25 million, and Everton have made an approach to sign him.
Minteh showed last season that he is capable of performing consistently for a big European club, and Everton can afford to take that gamble if they see him as a replacement for Dobbin.
Considering Newcastle’s financial plight, the chances are high that the Magpies will not settle for anything other than a direct transfer. That will keep them within the threshold of losses prescribed by the Premier League, and the Magpies can reinvest the money into bolstering other areas of the squad.
Everton are on the cusp of a seismic shift with Dan Friedkin’s takeover exclusivity now in place. The new owners are expected to help Sean Dyche bring in good players, and Minteh could be one of them.
Alternatively, the Toffees could also seek a swap deal arrangement for Minteh, with Calvert-Lewin moving in the other direction.
