Everton handed major boost in race to sign Yankuba Minteh as player turns down Lyon move | OneFootball

Everton have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United winger Yankuba Minteh.

According to The Sun, the talented forward has turned down a move to Ligue 1 giants Olympique Lyon, emphasising his desire to remain in the Premier League next season.

The Magpies had agreed a £40 million deal to sell the 19-year-old to the Ligue 1 giants, but the youngster had other plans.

Minteh has refused to discuss personal terms with the French giants despite the prospect of playing Europa League football next season.

The winger has reportedly told the club that he wants to join Everton or remain at St. James’ Park rather than move abroad this summer.

Everton are keen on signing the youngster who had an explosive breakthrough campaign on loan at Feyenoord last season.

The youngster bagged ten goals and five assists in 27 Eredivisie appearances. He also created nine big chances in the league and averaged one key pass per 90 minutes.

His decision to turn down a move to Lyon bodes well for the Toffees, who can now revive their interest in the youngster after previous plans to sign him fell through.

Newcastle were keen to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while Minteh was expected to join the Toffees in a separate deal.

However, the Magpies pulled out of the deal amid concerns about Calvert-Lewin’s injury record, while Everton were reluctant to match their asking price for Minteh.

With Minteh reluctant to move abroad, it remains to be seen if Newcastle will budge on their demands or keep the youngster as part of Eddie Howe’s first-team squad next season.

While Minteh’s decision plays into Everton’s hands, the Toffees still have to act quickly to secure a deal for the youngster amid reports that Brighton & Hove Albion are also interested.

Everton are currently focused on finalising a deal to sign Marseille striker Iliman Ndiaye.

They have agreed a £17m deal to sign the former Sheffield United forward and are likely to announce the transfer in the coming days.

Stats from Sofascore.com