Everton out to beat Newcastle to German midfielder Merlin Rohl as they prepare to sell Amadou Onana in £50m transfer

EVERTON lead the race for German midfielder Merlin Rohl as they look for extra magic.

The Toffees have been to see the Freiburg player, 21.

Newcastle and Crystal Palace are also on Rohl’s trail — but Everton seem to be at the front of the queue.

Rohl is a key part of the Bundesliga side who have done well at home and in Europe, where their Europa League campaign was ended by West Ham.

Goodison chiefs hope to sell Amadou Onana overseas for big money to balance their books, possibly picking up a fee in excess of £50million.

Rohl is similar to Onana in size and style and a player on the rise for both club and country.

He came from the lower divisions in Germany and has played for his country at all levels up to the Under-21s.

And Rohl would only cost about £12m.

There could also be interest in Toffees winger Dwight McNeil after a strong finish to the campaign, so the club are aware of the need for new faces.

Meanwhile American baseball guru Kevin Malone is in England, ready to make a rescue move for Everton.

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Malone ran the LA Dodgers for many years and is head of a consortium who will step in if problems continue with current bidders 777 Partners.

Everton drew 1-1 at Luton Town on Friday night.

The Toffees went ahead from the penalty spot as Dominic Calvert-Lewin made no mistake following a foul on Jarrad Branthwaite at a set piece.

Sean Dyche's side were pegged back on the half hour mark after a brilliant finish by Elijah Adebayo.