Donny van de Beek’s proposed move to Everton was reportedly a ‘done deal’ before Manchester United intervened. The Dutchman was a late target for the Toffees, who wanted to take him on loan, promising him regular game time this season under Rafael Benitez.
The midfielder has struggled for game time since joining United for £34million last summer from Ajax despite being told he would have a big role to play at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Instead, Van de Beek has struggled to enjoy his football at all after spending the majority of his time on the bench.
It’s been a tough year for the 24-year-old, who then missed out on the European Championships through injury.
Yet Van de Beek did receive an exciting late approach from Everton towards the end of the window and he was ready to move to Goodison Park.
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“He wanted to understand what was going to happen and so with Everton prepared to sign him, it was a big chance for him.
“United wanted him to stay, but Everton were really close. Benitez wanted him, the whole board wanted him, so it was more than an idea.
“It was a done deal between Everton and Donny van de Beek, but Manchester United said no.”
Van de Beek has since provided clarity on the deal, stating that Solskjaer fought to keep him at the club.
The talks were enough to convince him to stay put and Van de Beek remains optimistic there are minutes around the corner.
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“No, I spoke with the manager and the club,” Van de Beek said.
“They said they wanted me to stay here. The manager was really positive about me, and he said ‘I need you, and I want to keep you here’.
“He also said: ‘What I see from you every day at training, is a different Donny now’. He was really positive about me, and now I am feeling well.
“I am in good shape, and I hope that I can show the fans that I have improved a lot.
“He said he sees a big difference, maybe I am a bit stronger now and he can see that I have one year of experience in England now.”
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