Sources: Everton favourites to agree Dan Rice deal after Newcastle United ambush
Everton are now the favourites to appoint Southampton transfer guru Dan Rice after hijacking Newcastle United’s deal, sources have told Football Insider.
The Merseysiders are working on a move to lure the talent spotter after he was targeted by Newcastle as part of a huge overhaul of their entire transfer set-up.
It is believed that Everton are in advanced talks to agree a deal and have now leapfrogged the north-east giants in the race.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (3 April) that the Saints’ head of youth recruitment has resigned from his position after two years at the Premier League club before Everton made their eleventh-hour move.
Newcastle have submitted an offer to the talent spotter and were confident of finalising a deal before the Toffees made there move.
Rice was viewed by sporting director Dan Ashworth as one of several appointments as part of his ambitious recruitment drive.
Rice spent two years with Southampton as a player recruitment manager for their Under13-Under19 sides before resigning earlier week.
He also spent eight years with Fulham and has previously worked in academy recruitment at Arsenal.
Everton are currently struggling at the bottom end of the Premier League table but after their 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Monday (3 April), they pushed themselves out of the relegation zone.
Although Sean Dyche’s side are currently safe in 16th place, they are joint on points with 18th place Bournemouth and still face the real threat of being relegated at the end of the season.
In other news, we have big news on Everton ban as decision made.