david moyes
Everton are preparing a bid to sign Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Toffees have had a good window so far, bringing in Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough before turning the loans of both Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George permanent. But David Moyes is still keen to strengthen the attack more after disappointing campaigns from Beto and Thierno Barry last time out.
Now, the club have turned their attention to Old Trafford for a highly-rated young striker, as they look for alternatives to their current options.
Everton Prepare Wheatley Bid
wheatley-united
Writing on his X account, Romano has revealed that the Merseyside club are showing a strong interest in the Man Utd youngster, and a formal bid is being prepared.
"Everton are interested in Man Utd talented striker Ethan Wheatley," he wrote.
"Everton preparing a proposal to make formal approach with Man Utd soon for the 20-year-old forward."
Wheatley has made three Premier League appearances for Man Utd, coming on as a substitute against Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, and Arsenal during Erik Ten Hag's reign as manager.
Since then, the 6ft 2 forward has had loan spells at Walsall, Northampton Town, and Bradford City, but he has struggled to make a big impact at any of those clubs, registering just three goals in 40 appearances for those three clubs.
Everton Move for Wheatley is Odd
Everton manager David Moyes
Premier League - Everton v Arsenal - Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, Britain - December 20, 2025 Everton manager David Moyes looks dejected after the match REUTERS/David Klein
It's very clear that Everton need new additions in attack this summer if they want to start climbing the Premier League table. Beto has managed just 25 goals in 111 appearances over three seasons for the club, while last summer's big signing Barry managed just eight goals in his debut season in 41 appearances.
With Jack Grealish having returned to Man City, and star forward Iliman Ndiaye being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, they are likely to be even shorter of creativity and quality in the final third.
But Wheatley is a 20-year-old forward with limited first-team experience, so it's hard to see how adding him to the first-team picture would help solve that issue. He clearly has talent, as his youth record shows, but it doesn't always translate, and Everton must ensure they don't overspend on this deal.