EPL 2016/17: Manchester United hold talks with Everton over Schneiderlin and Depay
Manchester United outcasts Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin may soon find themselves out of Old Trafford as reports in The Sun suggest that Premier League club Everton are plotting a double swoop for them in January.
Everton manager, Ronald Koeman, reportedly has a transfer budget of close to £60 million to reinforce his squad in the winter transfer window. A season-ending knee injury for Yannick Bolasie and the future of Everton midfielder James McCarthy in doubt means that the two United players are seen by the Everton management to be their perfect replacements.
Koeman ready to pounce
Talks were held prior to the 1-1 draw between the teams at Goodison Park, and Koeman has already gone on air to declare his interest in the wantaway Dutch winger. “He’s a young player with individual qualities, like aggression and efficiency,” he told Fox Sports Netherlands.
“I would like him in January. He is a good and interesting player. He has shown that in his early days at Manchester United. But more recently it’s been less. He needs to play more games.”
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Koeman is also very keen on adding versatile midfielder Schneiderlin to his team, with whom he has worked with back at Southampton before his £27 million move to United in 2015. Having excelled under the guidance of Koeman in 2014 and 2015, Schneiderlin will be keen on a reunion with his former manager.
No European action for the duo
Both Depay and Schneiderlin were left out of United’s 19-man Europa League squad to face Zorya Luhansk on Thursday, throwing their futures in doubt. They have only made a combined 4 starts this season, and may be forced to move elsewhere to seek regular playing time.
Memphis Depay was seen as one of the brightest young talents in world football, winning the Eredivisie Golden Boot before his £25 million switch to Manchester United, but has lost his way since, making no considerable impact at the club and instead becoming embroiled in numerous disciplinary incidents.
Schneiderlin, while not involved in any sort of controversy, has found playing time difficult to come by with both managers, Van Gaal and Mourinho, preferring other midfield options to him.
Having bought them for a combined total of around £52 million, United may have to sell for a much lower amount if they want to get them off their wage books. Mourinho will look to get rid of any player he deems as surplus to requirements so that he can adequately reinforce the team with the players who suit his philosophy.
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