Everton target Hannibal Mejbri leaning towards Manchester United stay
Everton may have some convincing to do as rumoured target Hannibal Mejbri is reportedly leaning towards staying at Manchester United.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday [30 August] that Everton had held talks with United regarding a loan move for the Tunisia international.
However, it has now been claimed by The Mirror [31 August] that Hannibal is expected to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.
Everton are not alone in showing an interest in the 20-year-old, as Sevilla, Anderlecht and numerous teams in England are also keen.
Hannibal was said to be open to joining Sevilla up until last week, at which point Erik ten Hag intervened and persuaded the youngster to stay put.
But that is not to say the Tunisian cannot still be talked into spending a year away from Old Trafford, where first-team chances will be limited.
Regardless of what Ten Hag tells Hannibal, the youngster will surely barely feature in the Premier League - if at all - this campaign.
That is not to say he would slot straight into Everton's midfield, of course, but there is less competition for places at Goodison Park and more need for rotation.
After impressing in the Championship with Birmingham City last season, a move to a bottom half Premier League club makes sense.
And let's face it, that is very much a category Everton now find themselves in.
If a loan deal for Hannibal cannot be agreed, then so be it. But if there is even a slight chance of an agreement being reached, it should be pursued.