This may be one of those classic silly season bits of news that doesn't really mean anything, but according to Alex Crook at TalkSport, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy with his playing time so far this season and could ask to leave the club.
The 20-year-old has been a contributor for United's Premier League side for the past two seasons, featuring in 24 matches (all starts) in 2023/24 while scoring three times, and adding 25 appearances last season (19 starts) last year. He's never been a nailed-on starter, but his future with the Red Devils looked to be bright.
Following the news that United manager Ruben Amorim told Mainoo that he was "fighting for the position now with Bruno [Fernandes]," the young England international seems to have taken this as a sleight, especially considering that he and Fernandes don't generally operate in the same position on the pitch.
Mainoo has yet to feature for United in any competitive matches this season, despite starting several matches in the preseason, including against Everton in Atlanta as part of the Premier League Summer Series, although he came off after 57 minutes.
But in both Premier League matches so far, he's been an unused substitute for United, even falling behind 33-year-old Casemiro in the midfield pecking order.
If this is the case, Everton need to get involved, even if it's simply on a loan with an obligation or even an option to buy at the end. That figure next year may be quite high (Transfermarkt has his value at €50 million), but for a versatile midfielder who may have the skillset to step in as the future successor for Idrissa Gana Gueye, it feels like a good value.
It works doubly well for Everton because it fits an immediate need while also being future thinking. If there's any chance the Toffees can get this done, they should do everything they can to enter, and win, the race.