Everton still want to sign Memphis Depay this month but would prefer to take the Manchester United outcast on an initial six-month loan deal, reports Sky Sports.
Memphis, 23, has been given the greenlight to leave Old Trafford by manager Jose Mourinho after failing to make any impression on the United boss this season.
However, the Red Devils are only interested in permanent deals for their players and Everton will have to meet United’s valuation, which is reportedly £20m, or risk losing out on his signature this month.
Ronald Koeman’s side are expected to wrap up a deal in excess of £20m to sign Morgan Schneiderlin from United, but in order to bring Memphis with the French midfielder they will not be able to do so on a temporary basis.
Neither Schneiderlin nor Memphis will be allowed to play for United while their future remains uncertain, while Mourinho has urged suitors to step up their interest with serious bids that the club will consider.
Memphis hasn’t featured since an eight-minute cameo against Feyenoord in November but arrived at United in 2015 with immense promise after lighting up the Dutch league with PSV Eindhoven. Dubbed the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo’s No.7 shirt, which so many have failed to do in between, Memphis’ time at United has been a real disappointment clouded with off field distractions.
Of players to have started at least 10 games in the last two Premier League seasons, only Kelechi Iheanacho (every 19.9 mins) has been dispossessed more frequently than Memphis (every 21 mins).
For more stats on Memphis, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
