Everton face a busy transfer window, with Director of Football Kevin Thelwell aiming to bolster the squad despite budget constraints.
As always, the Toffees need to sell players before making significant signings. Lewis Dobbin is set to be the first departure, nearing a move to Aston Villa. This sale provides Everton some flexibility under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, enabling them to acquire Villa midfielder Tim Iroegbunam for around £9 million.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are advancing talks to sign striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has 12 months left on his contract at Goodison Park and has so far declined to sign an extension. Everton are seeking approximately £25 million for the 27-year-old, a substantial return on the £1.5 million they paid for him in 2016.
Sources indicate that Everton are targeting a Newcastle player in a deal that will be separate from the Calvert-Lewin transfer due to profit and sustainability reasons. The player in question is 19-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh, whom Thelwell has long wanted to bring to the Toffees.
According to TEAMtalk, discussions have taken place between Everton and Minteh’s representatives, and personal terms have been agreed upon with an undisclosed club. Minteh’s agent, Bakary Bojang, confirmed to The Chronicle, “We have agreed terms with one club. Now the rest is with Newcastle. I can’t confirm clubs who are in communication with us.” He also noted that Newcastle are open to selling the player if they receive a suitable offer.
Marseille, Borussia Dortmund, and Roma have all shown interest in Minteh, but Everton are increasingly confident about securing a deal. Newcastle, facing their own profit and sustainability issues, would seriously consider a bid between £30 million and £40 million for Minteh to raise funds before the June 30 deadline for submitting their accounts.
The Gambian international joined Newcastle for £7 million last summer and was loaned to Feyenoord, where he scored 11 goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances. Feyenoord’s former manager Arne Slot, an admirer of Minteh, has considered bringing him to Liverpool this summer.
However, Everton currently lead the race for Minteh, and it will be intriguing to see if they can finalize an agreement with Newcastle in the coming days.
