Everton reportedly agreed on a deal in principle with Manchester United to sign Ethan Wheatley, as per the Daily Mail.
The Toffees decided to reinforce the striker position by purchasing Thierno Barry last summer. Although he endured a difficult debut campaign in the Premier League, he has enjoyed a promising start this term, making five goal contributions in three matches.
Beto was the backup striker option David Moyes had at his disposal, but he joined Fiorentina on deadline day. Everton tried hard to find a suitable replacement for the 28-year-old and came close to signing Folarin Balogun from AS Monaco.
But the move eventually fell through. Everton even attempted to purchase Joshua Zirkzee from Man Utd, but United refused to let him leave late in the window.
Now, the Daily Mail report that before trying to sign Balogun and Zirkzee, Everton agreed on a deal in principle with Man Utd to sign Wheatley for a fee of around £2m.
However, the Toffees eventually decided to pull the plug on the deal as they wanted to invest their money elsewhere. But Moyes is currently without a natural striker to support Barry.
Wheatley, on the other hand, has joined Lincoln City in the Championship on loan to play regularly and develop his career. His existing deal at Old Trafford is set to run until 2028, and United have an option to extend the deal for a year further.
Wheatley to Everton
Wheatley, standing at 6ft 2in tall, is a right-footed towering centre-forward. He is quick, good in the air, can link up the play and works hard without possession.
The 20-year-old is a talented player and possesses high potential. Therefore, he might have been a shrewd long-term acquisition for the Merseyside club had they opted to secure his services.
Meanwhile, Everton have decided to reinforce the frontline by purchasing Brennan Johnson and Tyrique George this summer. Moreover, Jack Grealish joined on loan from Manchester City on deadline day, but they decided to let Iliman Ndiaye join the Citizens.
Following a 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend, Moyes’ side are set to face Man Utd at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
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