Sources: Everton set sights on signing Newcastle star after encouragement

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13 May 2020, 8:20 am

Everton are keeping tabs on midfielder Matty Longstaff amid his contract stand-off with Newcastle United, Football Insider understands.

The 20-year-old's St James' Park deal expires at the end of next month and talks over an extension have stalled.

An Everton source has told Football Insider the club are among the legion of tops clubs in England and across Europe interested in snapping up the younger of the Longstaff brothers for a bargain fee.

The Magpies academy product could move for a nominal fee of about £400,000 from 1 July if he does not agree new terms.

Talks had reached an impasse before the lockdown and have not resumed.

This comes amid the backdrop of a takeover backed by Saudi Arabia that hangs in the balance and has added an extra layer of complications to contract negotiations and transfer plans.

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has made it clear he wants to keep Longstaff and build his side around this season's breakthrough talent.

But rival clubs including Everton have been given encouragement by the north-east giants' unwillingness to meet the contract expectations of the youngster and his camp.

Longstaff has followed older brother Sean into the first team this season and has already scored three goals from midfield in just 12 appearances.

Everton have history when it comes to plucking rising stars from St James' Park.

The Merseysiders signed Lewis Gibson for £1million rising to £6m with add-ons in the summer of 2017.

In other Everton news, it can be REVEALED that the club are willing to sell big name at huge loss after telling him to find a new club.

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