Liverpool can revisit Yankuba Minteh transfer as Newcastle pulls plug on $51m Everton talks

Liverpool's recruitment chiefs could be in position to reunite Arne Slot with a highly-rated former Feyenoord loanee as talks over Yankuba Minteh moving to Everton broke down.

The 19-year-old starlet is rumored caught the eye of several potential suitors for his performances in the Eredivisie, having spent last season in the Netherlands on loan from Newcastle United. The Gambian teenager scored ten times in the league last term, making 27 appearances at De Kuip.

Despite the youngster earning rave reviews for his displays on the continent during a breakout season in his career, the Magpies are reluctantly open to cashing in on the player, according to the New York Times. With the club having to meet with the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations (PSR) by June 30, they are open to selling him without the ace having even kicked a ball at St James' Park.

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Everton had been mentioned as a potential destination for Minteh, with Liverpool's neighbours having been locked in discussions over a separate sale of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Newcastle. However, Chronicle Live has now reported that any negotiations in relation to both players have been shelved.

That came after some dramatic developments in the saga with the Toffees over the duo, with Minteh's agent having even told the report: "I can't confirm clubs who are in communication with us. We have agreed terms with one of the clubs. So now the rest is with Newcastle."

The Gambian ace's representative Bakary Bojang had also divulged over the weekend: "It is correct that Newcastle are willing to sell the player if they receive a good offer. From our side if Newcastle wants to sell and the sporting project is good we will definitely look at it. We are in communication with some clubs."

With Everton now out of the race for the highly-rated right winger's signature, it is possible that Liverpool's deal-makers could weigh up a swoop for the star, after the Telegraph reported recent interest. The obvious link with newly-appointed head coach Slot may mean that the youngster's history with the Dutchman could encourage Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes of the merits of any hypothetical deal.

Club stalwart Mohamed Salah is about to enter the final year of his current deal with the Reds meaning that forward planning for life without the Egyptian would appear a sensible step. In Minteh, Liverpool could have a star who is primed as an understudy for the Anfield legend for next season - before potentially stepping up as his eventual successor further down the line.

As per Comparisonator, the numbers behind his performances are particularly encouraging, with is performances in the Eredivisie having been comparabile with some of the Premier League's leading lights last term. In fact, he has already been having more shots pr game with 3.41 than Salah, for instance.

In addition, Reds head coach Slot waxed lyrical about the prospect's talents when speaking to Rondo only in March, saying: “If you are that fast, it is a huge weapon. One action and he is gone, then you will not catch up with him again.

I think that his choices are already improving in the final phase. The bad thing for us is that if his choices become really good, he will probably no longer play for us,” he concluded. While that has proven to be true, a reunion could be on the cards far sooner than Slot would ever have imagined three months ago.