Everton's multi-million-pound Ethan Wheatley plan emerges after more medical drama

Everton's failure to sign a striker in the summer is well documented, with Manchester United's Ethan Wheatley among those linked.

Wheatley is unlikely to have been a first-team ready player, but his name was regularly touted with a switch to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton's interest in Wheatley came to an end when the young striker was loaned to Lincoln City instead.

The 20-year-old has been on United's books for more than a decade and has made four appearances in all competitions.

That includes three in the Premier League, with his debut in April 2024 seeing him become the 250th academy graduate to feature for the seniors.

Had things panned out differently, Wheatley could have been an Everton player this summer as fresh details emerge.

What happened with Ethan Wheatley to Everton deal?

With a couple of weeks of the summer window to go, news emerged that Everton had pulled out of a move for Man United's Wheatley.

The word at the time was that finances were at a premium and Everton wanted to focus on signing other players.

According to Paul Joyce in an article for The Times on Friday, several million was set aside by Everton to sign Wheatley.

The Toffees were eager to build for the future, with the Man United academy graduate one of many talents identified.

However, the plug was pulled when Whatley was travelling to Finch Farm for his medical.

This comes on the back of the drama surrounding Folarin Balogun, whose move collapsed on deadline day centred around a medical.

It is believed the Friedkin Group had second thoughts about funding the deal for Wheatley in a sign their commitment to the Toffees was wavering.

What hindsight now tells us about Everton transfer business

Everton's summer transfer business was a let down. That is nothing new.

Many pointed the finger of blame at the Friedkins, while others attempted to give them a pass by suggesting some matters were out of their hands.

It is becoming quite apparent, though, that the Americans simply did not want to pump further millions into Everton.

Not when they intended to sell up even then, with a sale now looking likely to go through in 2027.

Whether it was this deal for Wheatley, the one for Balogun or potentially others that fell through, the Friedkins' lack of interest cost Everton dearly.