Everton midfielder Baningime tipped to be seventh Blackpool summer signing

The Seasiders have been strongly linked with a season-long loan move for Everton youngster Beni Baningime, with reports suggesting the Toffees have accepted Pool’s offer and the move could be finalised this week.

It’s been reported that Blackpool will pay a loan fee and a portion of the midfielder’s wages to sign him for the season.

Leeds United midfielder Robbie Gotts is another player Blackpool have been linked with in recent days, although Hull City and Huddersfield Town are also thought to be interested.

When asked if Blackpool are close to announcing any further deals, head coach Critchley told The Gazette: “I wouldn’t say we’re close but we’re in the mix and negotiating, but these things can always take a while.

“Hopefully in the next day or two we can have some news on that front.”

Baningime was named in Everton’s extended squads at the back end of the Premier League season but is likely to head out on loan to gain regular game-time.

While the DR Congo youngster failed to feature for Everton’s first-team during the 2019/20 campaign, he did make three appearances for their Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy.

This included an appearance in the second-round defeat to Fleetwood Town.

While the Seasiders have bolstered their central midfield options with the signing of former Sunderland man Ethan Robson, Critchley is still short on options.

Matty Virtue is the only other player likely to be considered a first-team regular, with Cameron Antwi and Ben Garrity untested in that position at League One level.

Despite featuring in eight of Everton’s final nine matchday squads after the lockdown, Baningime is unlikely to force his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans ahead of Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph or Tom Davies.

Baningime, who reportedly came close to joining Danish side Brondby last summer, is contracted to Everton until next summer.

The defensive midfielder made just one appearance for Wigan Athletic during a brief loan spell in 2018/19, linking up with his brother Divin.

It’s been suggested that Blackpool’s squad is lacking experience and Critchley said: “We’re always looking. We have to do what we think is right for the squad in certain positions.

“If that is a younger one we think is going to add to the squad, then we’ll add them and the same goes if they’re a little older.

“Just because he’s 19 or 35, as long as they improve the squad and bring something to the squad that we might not have, then age is irrelevant to me.”