Newcastle United were strongly linked with a move for Donny van de Beek during the January transfer window.
The midfielder was fixed to the bench at Manchester United, and was always likely to leave.
The Magpies were supposedly keen to bring him in.
But apparently the player rebuffed Newcastle’s interest. Ironically, it was because he did not want to be a part of a relegation battle.
It is funny how things work out. van de Beek, of course, would seal a move to Everton, who are now under serious threat of losing their Premier League status at the end of the season.
It hasn’t been a good start for van de Beek on Merseyside.
He is playing, which is obviously good for him given his lack of opportunities at Old Trafford.
But he hasn’t yet proved his critics wrong at Goodison Park, and last night he was very poor in the 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. As were all of his teammates.
After the game, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher spoke of Everton’s lack of athleticism.
And he made a rather stinging remark about van de Beek. He said: “Fundamentally, this group of players in this football club is so weak now.
“We’re not going to go through the goals again… the lack of athleticism in that Everton team is frightening. When you look at the midfield, Allan can’t run. van de Beek’s come in, he can’t run. None of the back four can run.”
Newcastle look to be better off without van de Beek
Newcastle may have wanted van de Beek, but the club not landing him has worked out well.
Ironically, the midfield is probably the very best part of Newcastle’s starting XI right now.
Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Joe Willock have all be fantastic in recent weeks. And one of the best things about them is that they can all run. The work-rate of that trident has been utterly refreshing to watch, and each one of them can be proud of what they have shown since Howe came in.
Howe places a lot of emphasis on running and intensity.
It is difficult to imagine van de Beek in Newcastle colours under Howe following his showing last night.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
