Carlton Palmer has warned Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff over joining Everton, worried about the amount of game time he would get over there.

The Toffees and Southampton are interested in signing the midfielder, with Newcastle United slapping a £10million price tag on the 23-year-old.

Longstaff is available for a cut-price fee after entering the final 12 months of his £1,000-per-week contract at St James' Park.

Benitez, who was appointed as Everton's new manager in June, is looking to reunite with Longstaff after working with the central midfielder during his stint in charge of the Magpies.

The Spaniard has already linked up with former Newcastle winger Andros Townsend since taking charge at Goodison Park, while Demarai Gray and Asmir Begovic have also sealed switches to Merseyside during the transfer window.

But former Premier League midfielder Palmer believes Longstaff, who has made 71 appearances for Newcastle, may be better off remaining on Tyneside as he would not be a certain starter for Everton.

Palmer exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: "He is a talented young player and I do see him going at some point, but I don't see that happening just yet.

"He would be crazy to leave Newcastle to go to Everton and sit on the bench. He has got to play because, as a young player, that enhances your reputation."