Man United make Ethan Wheatley transfer decision as multiple formulas discussed
FC Schalke 04 are interested in Manchester United product Ethan Wheatley but he will not be sold permanently, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils will only allow the 20-year-old to leave the club on loan this summer, after he spent the campaign with Northampton Town and Bradford City.
The forward only managed three goals in 37 games across all competitions, but sources insist that there is high hopes for him.
With Wheatley's contract at Old Trafford due to expire in 2028, however, Man United face a pending decision on his future.
Schalke won 2. Bundesliga last month, finally securing promotion back to the top flight for the first time since the 2022-23 season.
Why do Schalke want to sign Ethan Wheatley?
Wheatley has been on the books at Man United throughout his youth career, first catching the eye with the Under-18s in 2022.
In just 28 games, the young forward scored 14 goals and provided two assists.
Once it became time to take the next step to the U21s, Wheatley took it in his stride and scored 14 more, impressing Man United transfer chiefs.
The 20-year-old's first appearances for the first team came at the end of the 2023-24 season, and the following season was marked by a loan to League Two club Walsall.
There, however, Wheatley failed to make more than just four appearances. Loans to Northampton and Bradford have not gone massively better, but the striker at least found the net.
There remains excitement around the England youth international nonetheless, and a confidence that the right move will see his potential unleashed.
Bundesliga clubs continue to target English talent
The theme of young English players moving to the Bundesliga has been one developing extensively over the last decade.
Most notably, Jadon Sancho, Jobe and Jude Bellingham have made the switch, but it goes far further than them.
Ricky-Jade Jones was signed by St Pauli after leaving Peterborough last summer, and more are expected to follow in the coming weeks.
Wheatley could follow them, but Schalke will almost certainly be forced to settle for a loan move if they want their man.