Donny van de Beek has got his wish after agreeing a deal to leave Manchester United this January on a loan transfer.
Everton appear to have won the race for the midfielder, who had been ostracised at Old Trafford by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and then Ralf Rangnick.
Crystal Palace had also been in the running for the Netherlands international while the choice has already been made.
According to The Athletic, Van de Beek has decided to move to Goodison Park and United have come to an agreement with Everton over a loan until the end of the season.
The former Ajax star’s salary will be fully covered by the Toffees - who were desperate to sign him in the summer.
Former director of football Marcel Brands was keen on snapping up his countryman on deadline day only for Solskjaer to block a move.
And it appears to have nearly gone down to the wire this month, too, though Brands is no longer in his role.
Frank Lampard has agreed to become the new manager of Everton but an announcement is yet to come, however, the former Chelsea manager was also privy to talks on Van de Beek.
During his interview, the Dutchman was involved during those talks and has had the blessing of the incoming boss, The Athletic further report.
Van de Beek’s imminent departure is one of several transfers at Old Trafford that could be completed before Monday night’s deadline.
However, Rangnick’s earlier wishes to sign a midfielder appear to have fallen on deaf ears with no news of incoming arrivals.
Instead, there could be more on the way out with Dean Henderson and Jesse Lingard being courted by Newcastle.
Both are desperate to leave United after a lack of first-team football and the Magpies are keen to bolster their squad under Eddie Howe utilising their newfound wealth from their Saudi owners.
Anthony Martial has already gone after joining Sevilla on loan until the end of the season - though his future remains unclear with no buy option included in the deal.
Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Edinson Cavani have all also been linked with transfers away from the Red Devils, with the latter’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Van de Beek has struggled for game time at United after moving from Ajax in 2020 for around £40m.
At the time, Solskjaer never completely trusted the midfielder and he has failed to impress when given half a chance and he has played just 579 minutes of Premier League action across his full Old Trafford career.
