Sources: Man United rising star Ethan Wheatley agrees to join new club
Manchester United sensation Ethan Wheatley has agreed to join Lincoln City on a season-long loan, sources have told Football Insider.
The striker, 20, will now undergo a medical before putting pen to paper to finalise his move to the Championship club after an agreement has been reached between all parties.
Wheatley has attracted interest from a number of clubs across the English Football League, but Lincoln have moved quickly to win the race for his signature.
He enjoyed strong loan spells at Northampton Town and Bradford City in League One last season, and now looks set to be given the chance to step up into the Championship.
Man United still have high hopes for Wheatley's development and believe a move to the second tier will help him continue his progress with an eye on a potential long-term role at Old Trafford.
Wheatley's contract at Man United is set to expire in 2028, forcing the club into a decision over his future, and leading them to entertain loan offers.
Why are Man United letting Ethan Wheatley leave on loan?
Football Insider exclusively revealed in June that Man United have been looking to send Wheatley on loan again, and would not entertain permanent offers for his signature.
That came amid interest from Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04, who had considered a move to tempt the striker away from English football.
After being made aware of his availability on loan, a number of clubs in the Championship and League One were placed on alert, kicking off a multi-club race to agree terms.
Lincoln have now moved ahead of their rivals and have reached an agreement with Wheatley, with their Championship ambitions to be strengthened by his arrival.
Despite a frustrating record in front of goal last season, where he scored just three times in 37 appearances, there are still high hopes for the striker's progress.
A move to the Championship is seen as ideal for Man United, who are keen for Wheatley to test himself at a higher level before returning to Old Trafford next year.
Which other clubs were interested in Wheatley?
Lincoln are far from the only club to have shown an interest in Wheatley this summer, with clubs having been keen to explore both loan and permanent moves.
He had a number of suitors across the EFL looking to do a loan deal, while clubs across Europe including Schalke had considered permanent offers.
Meanwhile, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Everton have been plotting a permanent move to sign Wheatley.
The Toffees have had scouts tracking Wheatley's progress and they have liked what they have seen, as they were keen to explore his potential availability.
This comes amid concerns about the current options at Everton, but Man United quickly closed the door on any talk of a sale, and instead have agreed loan terms with Lincoln.