Everton transfers: Winner named in Hannibal Mejbri loan race from Manchester United - Mike McGrath

Sevilla have won the race to sign Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri on loan ahead of Everton, according to Mike McGrath.

Writing on his personal Twitter account (11 January), The Telegraph journalist reports that a deal has been completed between the Spanish side and Manchester United for the Tunisia international.

An announcement is expected to confirm the deal, with Everton missing out on the signing of the midfielder after a deal between the other parties progressed.

"Hannibal Mejbri loan from Manchester United to Sevilla to be announced as completed," he wrote.

"Deal has progressed. Player did not play AFCON to sort his club future."

Alternatives

It always seemed like a long shot that Everton would be able to hijack a deal for Hannibal when Sevilla can offer so many things that they can't.

Regular game time certainly wasn't a guarantee at Goodison Park considering the options already at the club plus the fact that there is only one game a week for the majority of the campaign.

But it's still a shame that the club couldn't get a deal over the line, but now they must start to look at alternative options as it's clear that a weakness has been identified.

Hannibal is very talented but he's hardly a needle-mover to change your transfer plans for, and that means Everton will surely be looking at alternative options for the rest of the transfer window.

Dyche knows what he needs, and the board will know what they're capable of doing, so the next few weeks will certainly be fun to watch.

In other Everton news, player close to Goodison Park exit as star waits on loan agreement termination.