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Ruud Gullit gave Newcastle and Everton-linked midfielder some transfer advice

Will Butcher

Wed 29 April 2020 17:45, UK

Newcastle United and Everton are reportedly rivalling Real Madrid for midfielder Donny van de Beek this summer, but Ruud Gullit’s transfer advice for the Ajax midfielder is still very relevant, more than a year on.

that Newcastle’s prospective new owners have identified 23-year-old midfielder van de Beek as the man to propel The Toon forward into their new era. But they are not alone in their pursuit.

Everton are also keen on the Netherlands international, as are Real Madrid – the Spanish giants came close to a £47million deal in January. Ex-Newcastle manager Gullit spoke about van de Beek’s future in May 2019.

He told Viggo Sport, , that van de Beek has got to join a side that plays similar football to Ajax. He compared van de Beek’s position to that of Davy Klaassen, who failed at Everton due to different styles.

“If Van de Beek goes to a different club, I hope he doesn’t do the same as Davy Klaassen,” he said on . “Klaassen went to Everton, a team that do not play like Ajax and so he did not provide the same return.”

TBR’s view – Which team can avoid Klaassen copy?

Everton have certainly changed the way they play, since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti. Klaassen was unfortunate that he joined a side that under Ronald Koeman, suited his style – but he was quickly sacked and replaced by Sam Allardyce.

Real Madrid certainly suit van de Beek’s style but if the Dutchman would want to move to the Premier League, Ancelotti’s Everton would boast a decent option. Certainly, he would have a much better chance to shine, than Klaassen did.

Newcastle is the wrong style, but the implentation of a new manager – such as Mauricio Pochettino, who is a known admirer of van de Beek – may change that. Everton right now, though, is a good move for van de Beek.