Everton are reportedly preparing a transfer approach for Manchester United striker Ethan Wheatley as the Toffees look to bolster their attacking options. While the interest is real, nothing is advanced at this stage regarding the 20-year-old's move away from Old Trafford.
Why is Everton interested in Ethan Wheatley?
Everton are eyeing Ethan Wheatley because the Manchester United youngster has shown enough potential to be considered for a Premier League move. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Toffees are preparing a formal proposal and are expected to make an official approach to United shortly.
This development comes at a critical time for the youngster. Wheatley, who became Manchester United's 250th academy graduate to feature for the first team, is looking to cement his footing in senior football after a nomadic period. He made his professional debut in a 4-2 win over Sheffield United in April 2024.
His recent journey hasn't been easy. The striker spent the first half of the 2025/26 campaign with Northampton Town before moving on loan to League One side Bradford City. He made 12 appearances for the Bantams, but unfortunately, he failed to find the back of the net during his time in West Yorkshire.
His lack of goals meant he was left out of the Bradford City squad for their League One play-off semi-final fixtures against Bolton Wanderers. Wamma! It is a tough pill for a player with such high pedigree to swallow.
Manchester United academy graduate Wheatley's progress
Ethan Wheatley's rise through the Manchester United ranks has been rapid. He previously impressed enough to join first-team training in October 2024, when Erik ten Hag was preparing the Red Devils for their Europa League clash against Fenerbahce.
For Manchester United fans, seeing an academy product move on can be bittersweet. However, with the current squad depth issues, letting a player like Wheatley go to a Premier League side like Everton might be a strategic move for his development. If the Toffees pull this off, Wheatley will jump straight back into the top flight.
Will Ethan Wheatley move to Everton?
Ethan Wheatley might move to Everton if the Toffees follow through with their reported formal proposal to Manchester United. Currently, the deal is in the early stages of interest with no official agreement reached yet.
Source: Mirror
