'I've heard a lot of good things' - This is why Everton want to sign Man United sensation Ethan Wheatley

Everton are interested in signing talented striker Ethan Wheatley from Manchester United as part of their long-term transfer plans.

The 20-year-old is very highly regarded at Old Trafford, but there is a feeling he could be allowed to leave as there is no clear pathway into Michael Carrick's starting XI.

Everton have been named as a surprise destination for the striker, following loan spells with mixed success at Walsall, Northampton Town and Bradford City.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton have had scouts tracking Wheatley's progress and they have liked what they have seen.

This comes amid concerns about the current options at Everton, with both Beto and Thierno Barry having failed to convince at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

While it is unlikely the striker would be considered a candidate to feature in David Moyes' starting XI, he has been recognised as one for the future given his displays at academy level.

Could Everton make a move to sign Ethan Wheatley?

Football Insider revealed last month that Everton are keen to sign a new striker this summer amid growing concerns about the long-term futures of Beto and Barry.

While it seems unlikely that Wheatley has been targeted to become the new first-choice striker under Moyes, scouts have spotted qualities they think could be useful.

His "fantastic" goalscoring record at academy level is seen as key despite his slightly disappointing record at senior level, while his physicality and work rate are also highlights.

"Ethan Wheatley is somebody I've heard a lot of good things about at Man United," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's got a fantastic goalscoring record at Under-18 and Under-21 level, and I know his loans haven't quite lived up to expectation, but that can happen with young players.

"He's still only 20, so expecting 20+ goals per season in senior football was never going to be realistic, but now he has that experience and that know-how.

"I'm told Everton's scouts have been keeping a close eye on him during those loan spells, and it seems they've been impressed by what they've seen.

"It would be a surprise if he was somebody they wanted to start every week, but you don't sign a 20-year-old just for the academy, they obviuosly think he can play a role.

"He does have a lot of attributes that could work for David Moyes, because he's a very physical striker, he works hard, runs the channels, and causes issues for defenders.

"We know Moyes isn't happy with the options he's currently got leading the line, so perhaps they see Wheatley as somebody who can come in and challenge for minutes.

"It might come as a bit of a surprise, but Everton want to be smart in the transfer market and signing talented young players can be one way to do that."

How do Man United feel about losing Wheatley?

Despite growing interest from Everton in Wheatley, any deal will ultimately depend on whether or not Man United are willing to let one of their exciting young talents leave.

Following multiple loan moves away from Old Trafford, there is a feeling the striker will have to prove himself soon, but there is no clear pathway into the starting XI.

However, Football Insider revealed earlier this summer that Man United are reluctant to let Wheatley move on permanently and would prefer him to leave on loan again.

This came amid interest from Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04, who had considered capitalising on his contract situation, with his current deal set to run until 2028.

Sources insist the Red Devils still have high hopes for Wheatley's development and believe he can play a role for them in the future if he continues his progess.