Everton meet Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday, closing the 2024/25 campaign in good form, two successive wins sealing a 13th-place finish in the Premier League.
Taking the wheel of a sinking ship, David Moyes has done a brilliant job, steering the Toffees away from relegation danger and ensuring they could say farewell to Goodison Park in a good moment.
Iliman Ndiaye scored twice as Southampton were defeated on Merseyside at the weekend, underscoring his value as one of the division's most underrated stars.
Iliman-Ndiaye
It's crucial the Friedkin Group keep him on the books next year, with a few industrious signings sure to create a secure fluency to take Ndiaye and his team to the next level.
Everton chasing Premier League midfielder
Fans will no doubt hope for a flashy new forward or too, but Moyes is a pragmatic manager in the best sense, and will be focused on making under-the-radar improvements too.
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Indeed, we've already seen a plethora of EFL stars linked with a Merseyside switch, with Ben Knight and Sunderland's Dan Neil two potential options.
On that evidence, it seems that one such upgrade could come in midfield, and those claims are bolstered by Football Insider who are reporting that if Everton lodge a bid worth £12m for Newcastle's Sean Longstaff, it is likely to be accepted with both clubs eager to agree a deal.
Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff
The Englishman is about to enter the final year of his contract, and this is certainly one to keep a close eye on.
Why Everton should sign Sean Longstaff
Longstaff, 27, is thus far a one-club man, but his playing time has been limited under Eddie Howe this season, starting only eight times in the league, largely because the Magpies have such a robust starting midfield trio.
But Longstaff is a good player in his own right, with an aptitude in transitional play. Indeed, the box-to-box star is capable of breaking down opposition attacks and recycling possession by pressing forward.
Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff in action with Bromley's Jude Arthurs
Hailed as an "unsung hero" for the Toon in the past by pundit Paul Merson and as "unbelievable" by Alan Shearer, Longstaff could do the dirty work in order to promote opportunities for players like Ndiaye, creating that roundedness and energy that Moyes' teams need to fire on all cylinders.
FBref help to underline the player's metrics, revealing the secrets behind his success. The data-driven site show that Longstaff ranks among the top 1% of Premier League midfielders this season for tackles won in the attacking third, the top 4% for dribblers tackled and the top 8% for blocks made per 90.
What this tells us is his willingness to roam into more advanced areas and win the ball before knocking it further forward and into the path of, say, Ndiaye.
Iliman Ndiaye's PL Season with Everton (24/25)
Stats (* per game)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Shot (on target)*
Big chances missed
Pass completion
Key passes*
Dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Tackles + interceptions*
Duels won*
Stats via Sofascore
The Senegalese winger has forged quite the campaign for himself, such a dangerous presence in the final third, scoring nine Premier League goals and missing only three big chances.
Clinical as you like, Ndiaye could do with some more creative support, and while Longstaff wouldn't plug that gap, his tenacious attitude toward turning play over and ability to apply his combativeness to offensive areas of the field denote his suitability within Moyes' project.
And, of course, highlight the effect he could have on Ndiaye.
Widening the Everton midfield's reach would allow Ndiaye to play with more comfort, also allowing those such as Dwight McNeil and Charly Alcaraz to supply Ndiaye more directly and ensure Everton go from strength to strength at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
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