Everton get Anthony Elanga response after ‘direct’ transfer talks as Manchester United winger makes exit decision
Anthony Elanga has turned down Everton after “direct talks” with the Swedish international, who is expected to leave Manchester United, the Daily Mail reports.
The 21-year-old winger has “already decided on his next destination” and after doubts as to whether it would be Goodison Park [Mail, 17 July] it has now been ruled out.
The versatile forward is “keen” on a move away from Old Trafford after struggling for game time under Erik ten Hag – he only made 16 Premier League appearances last season and saw just 48 minutes in the top flight in 2023.
But amid “concerns over his suitability to [Sean] Dyche’s tactics” he has rejected the chance to move to Everton this summer.
The Toffees are however thought to be closing in on a loan move for Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma, who plays in the same positions, with a medical booked for Saturday (22 July) and a £3.5million loan fee on the cards [Sky Sports, 20 July]..
Flop
Dyche will be getting used to the struggle to get Everton moves in the transfer market over the line, and after attempting to sign Elanga for two windows in a row it will obviously be disappointing to miss out.
If the youngster himself thinks he doesn’t fit what the Toffees boss is trying to do it is clearly a wide difference of opinion to Dyche and suggests one of them is mistaken.
Evertonians will have to hope it is Elanga, even if it means losing out on this occasion, as it wouldn’t bode especially well for success in the future if the manager isn’t identifying the right targets.
There is more optimism about getting Danjuma in, but fans have been here before so will be waiting until he is signed and announced before counting on him.
The Netherlands international had already undergone a Toffees medical in January when Frank Lampard was fired for Dyche, leading the 26-year-old to back out of the move for an underwhelming spell at Tottenham.
Any attacking arrival at long, long last would be a major success in the circumstances, but he will need to not be alone this summer as a striker remains a key priority and, even though it apparently won’t be Elanga, another versatile forward option will be required if Demarai Gray is sold.
In other Everton news, other attackers that the Toffees want to sign this summer are now pushing to leave and could be available.