Fabrizio Romano: Everton insist on completing Hannibal Mejbri signing from Man United as Old Trafford transfer update emerges
Everton will insist on completing the loan signing of Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United during the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer specialist reported in his Daily Briefing (7 January) that the Toffees want to hijack Sevilla’s move to sign the midfielder after the Spanish club approached the Red Devils to structure a deal that included an option to buy clause.
Sean Dyche’s side are expected to continue to push for the signing and Romano believes that “they have a chance” but any such deal won’t be easy as the young midfielder has already given his green light to Sevilla.
Sevilla currently remain in pole position, but Everton will keep trying and the Spanish giants still have to finalise their terms with United, not just the player.
After last January saw Everton pipped to the finish line in a deal for Arnaut Danjuma as Tottenham hijacked their move for the Dutchman, this transfer window sees the Toffees attempt to do the exact same to Sevilla for Mejbri.
Currently, it appears as though the Spanish giants still remain the favourites to complete the signing of the Manchester United youngster this month as they have already reached an agreement with the player and he has given his green light.
However, that doesn’t mean that the Toffees don’t have a chance. If Romano suggests they are still in the race, that almost certainly means that they could well secure his signature ahead of Sevilla.
The opportunity to remain in the Premier League and gain vital experience in English football may be tempting for both United and Mejbri. That could well help sway both the Red Devils and the 20-year-old’s decision when it comes time to sign on the dotted line.
Either way, it is clear that nothing is set in stone as of yet.
