Kirkbride confirming Longstaff + money for Digne offer. Terrible, terrible business. Was also hoping Longstaff wouldn't want to leave Newcastle, he thinks otherwise.
Everton want to add a midfielder and a winger to their squad after the signing of two defenders
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
Sean Longstaff wants to secure a move to Everton this month - but a deal with Newcastle United remains complicated.
Rafael Benitez hopes to be reunited with a player he handed a Premier League debut to during his time as manager at St James' Park.
Longstaff is out of contract in the summer and, at this stage, it looks unlikely he will sign a new deal so the Blues hope an agreement can be reached before the end of the month.
A deal, which included the sale of Lucas Digne to Newcastle, was on the table a few days ago and would have seen Longstaff head to Goodison Park in return.
But it is understood the France left-back, who has fallen out with Benitez and is set to leave Everton in this window, is not currently keen on a move to the North East.
Newcastle are telling Everton they are not currently prepared to let Longstaff leave without another player heading in the opposite direction, but Longstaff is still hoping a move to Goodison can be sorted.
Digne is also on Chelsea's radar, but the Stamford Bridge club are said to be exploring alternative options to the 28-year-old.
West Ham's early interest appears to have cooled in the £18m signing while one source has told the ECHO that Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, have made tentative enquiries about the defender, but that remains unconfirmed.