Manchester United academy striker Ethan Wheatley has emerged as a surprise permanent target for Everton, with the Merseyside club exploring a deal that few expected earlier this summer. The Manchester Evening News reports that discussions are still in their early stages, although Everton’s interest is genuine after United spent recent weeks assessing Championship loan options for the 20-year-old instead of an outright sale.
Everton could make unexpected move for Manchester United youngster
A familiar face sits behind the move. Everton technical director Nick Cox knows Wheatley exceptionally well after overseeing his rise through Manchester United’s academy, and his admiration for the young striker has remained unchanged since leaving Old Trafford. That relationship explains why Everton have entered the picture so suddenly.
Wheatley reached an important milestone in April 2024 when he became Manchester United’s 250th academy graduate to appear for the first team, making his debut from the bench against Sheffield United. His development has centred on senior football since then. During the 2025/26 League One season, he scored three goals and supplied one assist in 22 appearances for Northampton Town before joining Bradford City in January, where he failed to register a goal or assist across 12 league matches after struggling for regular minutes. Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that Everton are preparing a formal proposal, adding fresh momentum to the story.
T4O take: Everton need experience before potential