“Might be in pole position” – Alex McLeish claims Premier League club could be favorites to sign Manchester United player with ‘great pedigree’

Former Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has suggested Everton could sign Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek on a permanent deal.

The Dutch midfielder joined Frank Lampard's side on transfer deadline day in January in a loan move seeking first-team football.

The 24-year-old completed his first full Premier League appearance against Leeds United on 12 February. He impressed in the match keeping 88% passing accuracy, winning seven duels, making four tackles and creating one chance. McLeish believes the Toffees could potentially sign Van de Beek on a permanent basis from Manchester United.

He told Football Insider:

"There’s no doubt there’ll be a lot of clubs (interested). If Man United have signed him in the first place then he’s obviously a player of great pedigree."

McLeish continued:

“A lot of clubs would have wanted him in the first place. They will be looking on with interest, keeping an eye on his situation. Of course, Everton might be in pole position.”

The Netherlands international has had a disappointing spell at Old Trafford. The midfielder has only managed to make 50 appearances over the course of just over a year. He joined Manchester United from the Eredivisie giants Ajax in a £35.1 million move in the summer of 2020.

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Could van de Beek reignite his Manchester United career with Everton?

van de Beek is familiar with both potential permanent Red Devils managers.

Manchester United are in a rebuilding phase and Donny van de Beek may yet have a part to play in the future despite the rumors of a move away.

The club are reportedly targeting either Paris Saint-Germain's Mauricio Pochettino or Ajax's Erik ten Hag as their next permanent manager. It is the latter under whom van de Beek may yet find success in Manchester, having played under the Dutch manager during their time at Ajax.

Under ten Hag for Ajax, the midfielder was a huge part of the side's success in the years prior to his departure, especially in the Champions League in 2019.

The 24-year-old scored in their quarter-final victory over Juventus as the Dutch giants shocked the Serie A giants by winning 3-2 on aggregate. They then went on to reach the semi-finals where they encountered Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.

Van de Beek scored a first-leg goal at White Hart Lane and Ajax looked set to reach the final of the competition.

Ironically, it was Pochettino who was in charge of that Spurs side who managed to overcome the odds and book their side a place in the final. The Dutchman was shortlisted as a Ballon d'Or nominee in 2019 for his performances.

Pochettino will therefore have seen the player's talents up close for himself. The connection both he and ten Hag have with van de Beek could prove decisive in any future the playmaker has at Manchester United.