Everton may have just been dealt a major blow to their chances of signing Yankuba Minteh. The 19-year-old winger has been heavily linked with an exit from Newcastle United following an eye-catching campaign while on loan at Feyenoord.
Minteh, who sees his contract at St James’ Park expire in 2028, featured 27 times for Arne Slot’s former side in the Eredivisie last season, scoring ten goals and providing six assists. His impressive performances have reportedly attracted attention from top clubs across Europe, including the Toffees.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton have recently established ‘concrete interest‘ in the Gambia international. The report states that Sean Dyche’s side have held talks with the Magpies over a potential deal for Minteh.
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However, while the Toffees may be keen to sign the teenager, they could face tough competition for his signature. Romano has added that Olympique Lyonnais have entered the race to sign Minteh.
It’s said that the French club made contact with the player’s representatives this weekend, shortlisting him as a target. Speaking to the Chronicle Live on Saturday, Minteh’s agent, Bakary Bojang, said: “It is correct that Newcastle are willing to sell the player if they receive a good offer.
“From our side if Newcastle wants to sell and the sporting project is good we will definitely look at it. We are in communication with some clubs… I can’t confirm clubs who are in communication with us. We have agreed terms with one of the clubs. So now the rest is with Newcastle.”
In an interview with Dutch publication Rondo in March, Arne Slot provided an update on Minteh’s future. The former Feyenoord boss was particularly impressed with the youngster’s pace.
“If you are that fast, it is a huge weapon,” said Slot. “One action and he is gone, then you will not catch up with him again. I think that his choices are already improving in the final phase. The bad thing for us is that if his choices become really good, he will probably no longer play for us.”
Then, speaking to Voetbal International in May, Minteh admitted he didn’t know what the future holds for him this summer. As quoted by the Chronicle Live, he said: “At the moment, I don’t know what will happen.
“How the supporters treat me is very special, but I don’t know at the moment whether I will leave or stay. We’ll see what the future brings.”
According to The Telegraph earlier this month, there is also ‘strong interest’ in Minteh in Italy and Germany. It’s said that Newcastle would prefer to keep the winger, but they know they have to sell players this summer in order to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
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