Everton eager to sign another Manchester United youngster after tasting success with Garner; Carrick hints three players could leave.

According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Everton are interested in signing Manchester United academy striker Ethan Wheatley. Romano said: "Everton are interested in the United talent Wheatley, and the club is preparing a bid to formally contact the Red Devils to purchase the 20-year-old forward."

Wheatley was named in the squad for the first summer friendly against League Two side Wrexham, but lost his spot in later matches, replaced by 15-year-old academy junior Gabriel, and had to return to Manchester United's U21 team. However, he will turn 21 next season, making further youth football pointless, so a transfer is the likely outcome.

Born in Stockport, Wheatley joined Manchester United's academy at age nine and became the 250th academy graduate to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils. But his subsequent development has been disappointing, with only three Premier League appearances. Last season, United loaned him to League One side Bradford, and the young Englishman also had loan spells at Northampton and Walsall.

His contract runs until 2028, and Transfermarkt values him at just €250,000, so he is expected to move for a low fee. United will certainly include a high sell-on clause and a buy-back option. Not only Everton, but also Championship side Cardiff City, Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen, and SC Cambuur are interested in him.

But Everton are clearly the best option, as the club has a history of signing Manchester United academy products, with the recent success of midfielder James Garner. Garner, nicknamed "the new Carrick," joined Everton in 2022 for £9 million (plus £6 million in add-ons) and has been hugely successful there, earning a call-up to the England national team.

Wheatley is no longer a priority among Manchester United's academy talents, as younger players like Shea Lacey and Gabriel are now regarded as the club's "gems."

Among them, Gabriel, who faced Atletico Madrid at 15 years and 299 days old, set the club record for the youngest first-team appearance. Of course, it was only a friendly, so the record is not official.

But Romano says that United internally consider this player, nicknamed "Little Messi," a future star. "Gabriel made his debut for Manchester United in an unofficial match, making him the youngest player ever," Romano said. "Carrick said after the game: 'I am happy to give young talents opportunities; they deserve it.' United firmly believe they have a gem in their hands."

When some rise, others naturally have to leave. Besides Wheatley, the Daily Mirror reports that Carrick has told Altay Bayindir, Radek Vitek, and Joshua Zirkzee they can look for new clubs, as they were not given significant roles in the latest friendlies.

25-year-old striker Zirkzee contributed a goal and an assist in the previous friendly against Rosenborg, yet still lost his starting spot, getting only 17 minutes of playing time. Carrick opted for a false-nine formation, wanting to give other forwards more opportunities, and ultimately won the match, with Mbeumo scoring twice while playing as a makeshift number nine. Reports suggest Zirkzee has been placed on the transfer list, and United are looking for a buyer for him, with Juventus and other Serie A clubs having approached him.

Last season's second-choice goalkeeper Bayindir was not included in the squad for the match against Atletico Madrid, watching from the stands. The 28-year-old Turkish international has attracted interest from La Liga side Celta Vigo and is in negotiations to leave, as he has no place in the new season, making a transfer inevitable.

United also want to sell 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper Vitek, who wants to play rather than sit on the bench. He was on loan at Bristol City in the Championship last season, performing well and attracting interest from many clubs. However, United are asking for up to £10 million and hope to sell him quickly to use the funds for other positions.