Pranav Nair
Fabrizio Romano: Everton were close to landing Manchester United star Donny van de Beek on loan on summer deadline day
Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton were closer than thought in their efforts to land Manchester United star Donny van de Beek on loan.
The Dutch international was the club’s marquee signing of the summer of 2020. While he got off to an excellent start by scoring on his debut, van de Beek struggled to hold down a starting spot at Old Trafford.
He made 36 appearances for the Red Devils last season of which just 15 came as a starter. Van de Beek is yet to feature this season despite United already playing three Premier League games. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The 24-year-old was offered a lifeline on deadline day when Everton made a beeline to land him on loan. According to Football Oranje (h/t Express), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blocked it and the Dutch ace stayed put at Old Trafford.
Romano has now revealed that Everton were further along the line than originally though. The Toffees appeared to have had an agreement with van de Beek that would have seen him enjoy more playtime as a starter.
“Everton, on deadline day, they were more than close to signing Donny van de Beek. They had an agreement with the player, they had a project for the player to make him a starter, to give him some game time. So they were prepared to sign Donny van de Beek on loan from Manchester United.”
Romano goes on to add that Everton were ready to meet United’s demands for the player. Solskjaer, however, was having none of it and informed the Dutchman’s agent that he still has a future at Old Trafford.
“They were also prepared to give Manchester United what they wanted for Donny van de Beek.”
While the Norwegian may yet come good on his word, precious little of that has been on display this season. Van de Beek continues to be the forgotten man and it remains to be seen if will enjoy better fortunes this season.
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According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United will be without Fred for their next two games. With Scott McTominay also recovering from surgery, this could be the opening van de Beek needs to assert his claim on a first XI spot. Whether he will be given the opportunity to do so remains to be seen.
