Former Premier League goalkeeper and pundit Paddy Kenny has issued a glowing endorsement of Newcastle youngster Sean Longstaff, who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park.
As noted by The Chronicle, Everton’s connections to Newcastle with former Magpies boss Rafa Benitez at the helm has seen Longstaff tipped to make a Merseyside move.
The current Blues boss blooded Longstaff with his senior debut in 2018 in the Spaniard’s final season at St. James’ Park and could look to capitalise on that connection by courting him.
The £13.5m-rated 23-year-old midfielder came off the bench in Newcastle’s 4-2 defeat against West Ham on opening day and made 22 outings last season in the Premier League.
He is by no means a nailed-down starter for the Magpies, but plays a reasonably important role for the club.
Speaking on the possibility of an Everton move, Kenny told Football Insider:
“He’s definitely a really good player and I’m sure he’d do well there.
“He and his brother, Matty, broke into that team early and he is still quite young. There have been other big teams interested in him in the past as well.
“Benitez is an unbelievable manager, so if he’s interested in you then you know you’re a good player.
“He might not be the biggest marquee signing ever but he could definitely do a good job there if they do manage to get this one done.”
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The versatile midfielder can play in a central role or in a deeper-lying capacity, and could prove to be a useful rotational asset to the Toffees.
Given his lack of centrality to his side, it is possible that the club could sanction a loan – although a loan to a direct rival may be unpalatable to Steve Bruce’s side.
