Everton are looking to raid Manchester United for two signings in January, with The Mirror reporting Ronald Koeman is keen on signing Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay.
What’s the word?
Ronald Koeman’s venture at Goodison Park hasn’t quite got off to a perfect start and there is still work for the Dutchman to do at Goodison Park. However, he does have a plan that involves two fringe players from Manchester United.
The Dutch boss is confident he can land the duo in January, with Memphis Depay being continuously overlooked by Jose Mourinho, starting just once so far this season, whilst Schneiderlin is also on the radar and may be seen as surplus to requirements.
Perhaps crucially, the Dutch boss has even gone as far as confirming his interest in compatriot Depay.
What was said?
Confirming his interest when speaking to Dutch press, Koeman said:
“I would like to have him. He’s a young player with individual qualities and a threat. He’s efficient. I would like him in January.”
“I think he is an interesting player. He has great individual qualities. He just needs to play games.”
Would the pair be good for Everton?
Memphis Depay has struggled to live-up to his £25m price-tag following his move from PSV Eindhoven in 2015 and that pressure has certainly been on his shoulders. He has shown flashes of brilliance but it hasn’t been enough to succeed at a club like United.
At Everton though, he would have more room for failure. Of course, the Toffees demand success and Depay would need to improve. Under the guidance of Koeman, who is a much more patient manager than Jose Mourinho, Depay could thrive.
Morgan Schneiderlin, meanwhile, was one of the finest players at Southampton but has failed to replicate that form with United. The Red Devils have a packed midfield and, in truth, Schneiderlin never looked likely to succeed at Old Trafford as he isn’t the right sort of player for their style of play.
He’d attributes would suit Everton better and he would add steel and grit to Everton’s midfield, potentially helping them in their quest for European football. However, beating Juventus to Depay’s signature will be a test.
What would it mean for United?
For United, losing £52m worth of players for what’s likely to be a much smaller fee would certainly be embarrassing. However, they need to get rid of their deadwood sooner rather than later as they’re both expensive members of the squad.
Given the pair’s undeniable talent, United would certainly prefer to see the duo move abroad, limiting the impact of harm they could do to the Red Devil’s, and selling to Everton may even be criticised as the Toffees are competing with United for European football this term.
In truth though, there’s no call to be made and United should sell to whoever they can.
