Everton line up move for Man Utd’s Ethan Wheatley
Everton are preparing an approach for a Manchester United striker who has barely featured for the club.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday that the Toffees are drawing up a formal proposal for Ethan Wheatley, 20, who has spent the past two seasons out on loan. Moyes’ club are said to be finalising a proposal before going to Old Trafford.
Wheatley has scored three goals in 40 appearances across loan spells at Walsall, Northampton and Bradford City. He failed to score in his last 11 games at Bradford. He has four senior United appearances to his name, the last as a substitute in 2024.
Everton’s interest makes more sense against the backdrop at the Hill Dickinson. Ndiaye’s future remains unresolved, with Saudi interest still live. Beto’s role under Moyes has never looked secure and Thierno Barry has also struggled to convince he has sufficient goal power.
A ‘development’ striker, signed cheaply, would cover both, although may be insufficient for Evertonians who, at one stage, were dreaming of a Liam Delap-type centre-forward.
Nothing is agreed. United have not said whether they would sell outright or consider a loan, and Wheatley is under contract until 2028. Everton’s priority this window is keeping Ndiaye, not adding to the front line.
Still, it points to where Moyes thinks the squad is short. Which is clear. But this would be one for the future rather than the now.
Gary is editor for ReadEverton. He has many years experience of sports writing behind him after deciding (belatedly) that the world of accountancy wasn't for him. His work has been featured on (among many others) BBC Sport and The Metro. He has written on many sports, but considers himself an expert in football and F1. When not writing and editing he likes to go to the cinema and sip a lovely cold pint of Guinness (not always at the same time).
View all articles →
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Moyes finally gets his Gueye replacement — and it’s coming from North London
Moyes finally gets his Gueye replacement — and it’s coming from North London
Everton and Bologna apart on valuation for Jonathan Rowe
Everton and Bologna apart on valuation for Jonathan Rowe