(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Everton are reportedly ‘in [the] lead’ to sign Ethan Wheatley from Manchester United this summer.
One Red Devils insider revealed (via UtdDistrict) that Everton and newly-promoted Championship outfit Lincoln City have established their interest in signing the forward, with the former in pole position to get an agreement over the line.
Lincoln City and Everton hold interest in Ethan Wheatley, #EFC in lead. Everton have also enquired for Jack Moorhouse, alongside Wigan Athletic. Stockport County have held talks for Ethan Ennis. Jaydan Kamason attracting EFL interest /@UtdNadd @UtdDistrict https://t.co/GEQRrqk26r
How Ethan Wheatley has fared as of late
Such a move would allow Wheatley to ply his trade and really test himself in the Premier League for the first time, having only previously made three brief cameos in the competition for United.
Indeed, the striker has accumulated just 14 minutes of action in the top flight thus far, all of which came under Erik ten Hag.
Wheatley has since overseen loan spells with Walsall, Northampton Town and, for the second half of 2025/2026, Bradford City.
He returned to Carrington at the end of last term and has featured for United in pre-season, but is expected to be on the move before the transfer deadline next month.
Everton pursuing Carrington graduate Wheatley
Now, it looks as though the Hill Dickinson Stadium may well be his most likely destination.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed at the start of the month that the Toffees had set their sights on facilitating a deal for the ‘talented’ 20-year-old and that they were ‘preparing a proposal’ to make a ‘formal offer’.
🚨🔵⚪️ EXCL: Everton are interested in Man United talented striker Ethan Wheatley.#EFC preparing a proposal to make formal approach with Man United soon for the 20 year old forward. pic.twitter.com/wJ8upfY8DV
While one is yet to arrive, United will presumably be open to negotiating Wheatley’s exit, as it’s highly improbable he will be granted enough game time to keep him satisfied throughout 2026/2o27.
Still, it’ll be worth including buy-back and sell-on clauses in case he does develop into a prolific goalscorer later down the line.
The Stockport-born youngster has been in United’s academy system for 11 years and is capped three times for England’s U20S.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 17: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, speaks to the fans following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on May 17, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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