Everton make approach to sign Hannibal Mejbri as Manchester United contract twist emerges
Everton are set to rival La Liga outlet Sevilla for the loan signing of Manchester United prospect Hannibal Mejbri, according to Mail Online.
The newspaper reported via its website [7 January] that the youngster is set to extend his contract at Old Trafford before leaving the club on a loan deal, with the Toffees attempting to fend off the current Europa League champions.
It is understood that the 20-year-old had already given the green light for a loan move to Spain but the Merseyside club have made a late approach to sign the Tunisia international.
Mjebri signed for the Red Devils in 2019 after a reported £9.3million move from Monaco but has only made 12 senior appearances since.
Dubbed “perfect” by Erik ten Hag after Man United’s 1-0 victory over Burnley in September, Mejbri will be hoping to gain some valuable game time, having only completed 417 minutes this season.
Promising youngster
The Tunisian international has proven himself on the pitch when given the opportunity by ten Hag this season. His season-long loan spell at Birmingham City during the last campaign has been vital to his development, and Everton will be looking to benefit from this.
Mejbri also has 26 caps at international level, regularly performing for Tunisia since making his debut in 2021 as an 18-year-old.
The Toffees will be loaning in an extremely versatile talent if they are to steal Mejbri from under the noses of Sevilla, but his behaviour will need to be monitored as he boasts an astounding 15 yellow cards in 41 appearances at Under 21 level, 11 yellow cards in 41 appearances for Birmingham, and five cautions in 12 Man United appearances.
Despite no red cards at senior level as of yet, Sean Dyche will need to watch out for his rash challenges and eagerness to get involved. However, this could be seen as a positive, with energy on the pitch normally contagious amongst teammates.
With Everton’s target to avoid Premier League relegation, and Dyche’s issues in midfield as of late, Mejbri could be an interesting signing to revitalise the team’s form amid a winless run of four games.
In other Everton news, a club shareholder has gone on record to slam a “terrible” development surrounding the Toffees and has made an admission on Sean Dyche.