Pundit Alex McLeish believes Everton could be leading the way to sign Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek on a permanent basis, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Impressive first start

Van de Beek made the move to Goodison Park from Old Trafford for the second half of the season late in the January window.

The Toffees pipped Crystal Palace to the Dutch midfielder’s services and the 24-year-old starred on his first start under Frank Lampard last weekend.

Michael Ball labelled his display against Leeds as ‘perfect’, whereas Lampard has shown his own love for the player, revealing Van de Beek has been a dream to work with since arriving on Merseyside.

The Latest: McLeish’s comments

Talking to Football Insider, McLeish, who contributes for BBC Radio 5 Live, believes the Toffees could now be in ‘pole position’ ahead of a summer move.

“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.

“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 Verdict: Likely?

The next few months could well be key in regards to Van de Beek’s long-term future, and you wouldn’t bet against a full-time move to Everton materialising.

He has played just 579 minutes of Premier League football over two seasons for United, so if he becomes a regular under Lampard and helps steer the Toffees away from the relegation zone, all parties may well be willing to discuss a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

However, Van de Beek is under contract with the Red Devils until 2025, is on £120,000-a-week and cost United over £35m back in 2020, meaning a permanent move could be costly for Everton.

In other news: Blow for Lampard as another Everton player reveals he is out for 3 months alongside Mina.