Donny van de Beek may have to fight his way into Frank Lampard’s Everton side amid the Toffees’ pursuit of Dele Alli.
The Dutchman has arrived on Merseyside to undertake his medical and sign the relevant paperwork, but his loan deal until the end of the season hasn’t been officially announced as of yet.
With no Premier League starts to his name this season, the 24-year-old will be hoping the short-term move proves the catalyst in enabling him to prove himself in English football.
After not being trusted to play in a two-man pivot at Old Trafford, van de Beek’s best chance of building on his measly game time came in the attacking midfielder role.
But that meant dislodging Bruno Fernandes and probably Jesse Lingard too, which proved an impossible task.
With Lampard now at the helm at Goodison Park, the former Chelsea manager has wasted no time in improving his midfield options.
Alongside the imminent loan signing of van de Beek, Everton are closing in on the permanent signing of Alli from Tottenham, in a deal which could reach £40m (Sky Sports).
The England international, who plays in the attacking midfielder role, will hope a move away from Spurs sees him reinvigorated and able to revive his former form.
With Fabian Delph and Abdoulaye Doucoure both out for a “minimum of four weeks”, and Tom Davies also on the sidelines, van de Beek may play deeper than Alli.
Right now, the Dutch international will probably anywhere he is asked just so he can get regular playing time.
It could well be that van de Beek plays alongside Alli in a midfield three, but when the likes of Doucoure do return, it will only intensify the battle for places.
United’s number 34, who was signed from Ajax for £35m (BBC Sport), will have to rise to the challenge and prove his worth to Lampard.
Similar to Alli, van de Beek also has a point to prove and there is every chance the pair could compliment one and other’s games.
But there is no denying the arrival of Alli at Goodison Park could have a knock-on effect for van de Beek.
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