Everton’s interest in Ethan Wheatley appears to form part of a longer-term recruitment plan rather than a quick answer to David Moyes’ striker question.
The Toffees currently have Beto and Thierno Barry competing to lead the attack.
Beto scored nine Premier League goals last season, while Barry finished his first campaign in England with eight from 38 appearances.
Those returns were respectable, but neither forward completely secured the position as Everton finished 13th.
Moyes therefore needs greater competition, with Everton reportedly targeting a striker this summer, although Wheatley’s recent record suggests he would initially arrive as an academy player.
The 20-year-old has spent most of his career with Man United, having entered their academy at nine.
Wheatley helped United win three academy trophies and received the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
He also became United’s 250th academy graduate when Erik ten Hag handed him his senior debut against Sheffield United in April 2024.
The Stockport-born striker made three Premier League appearances that season and later featured once in the League Cup, but has not played another competitive first-team match since.
Wheatley made four League Two appearances for Walsall during the second half of 24/25 before spending last season in League One.
He scored three goals in 22 league appearances for Northampton Town and was recalled in January before joining Bradford City.
His Bradford spell produced no goals from 12 appearances, leaving him with just three goals and one assist across 34 League One matches last term.
His academy performances demonstrated scoring potential and intelligent movement, but his finishing has not yet transferred consistently into senior football.
Meanwhile, Everton also have an informed connection to the player.
Technical director Nick Cox previously ran United’s academy and was still at Old Trafford during Wheatley’s rise through the youth system and into the senior squad.
Everton preparing formal approach for Ethan Wheatley
Fabrizio Romano now reports that Everton are interested in signing the England youth international.
The transfer reporter claims Everton are preparing a proposal and intend to make a formal approach to United shortly.
No proposed fee or contract details have yet been disclosed, while Romano does not indicate whether United are prepared to approve a permanent sale.
Wheatley is contracted until 2028, meaning his boyhood club retain a degree of control over his future.
Competition for attacking places at Old Trafford nevertheless makes a breakthrough difficult, particularly after United’s heavy investment in senior forwards.
Everton could offer a much clearer development route, although another loan may still be required before Wheatley is ready for consistent Premier League football.
The move would carry an element of risk following his modest scoring return in the EFL.
