Everton have reportedly beaten Crystal Palace to the loan signing of Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.
van de Beek arrived at Man United from Ajax for a fee in the region of £40m. Expectations were high, but van de Beek was clearly not to the liking of then manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Even after Solskjaer was dismissed and Ralf Rangnick was appointed, van de Beek has not been seen as a viable option for a struggling Man United midfield. Leaving this month was the only option.
While Crystal Palace were understood to be the frontrunners to secure his services, it appears as though the arrival of a certain legendary midfielder on Merseyside may have tipped the balance.
🚨 EXCL: Donny van de Beek has this morning decided to join Everton on loan from Manchester United for rest of season. Crystal Palace were in frame but #EFC agreed with #MUFC yesterday & 24yo #NED attacking midfielder made choice today @TheAthleticUK #CPFC https://t.co/aHOU67b64F
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 30, 2022
MORE: Manchester United ace edging closer to joining Premier League side after ‘positive talks’
Frank Lampard has one-upped former midfield foe, Patrick Vieira, by hijacking the deal for van de Beek, who will be looking to show Man United what he’s capable of during his time at Goodison Park.
It’s shrewd business from Everton to get a player of Champions League calibre on a short term loan, potentially with a view to extending that further if the move proves to be a success.
Lampard’s time at Everton is off to a flyer – and the appointment hasn’t even been confirmed yet.
