Everton Target Manchester United Duo in January Move
Everton are reportedly planning a bold January push for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, aiming to bolster their squad amid a challenging first half of the season. The Toffees face potential complications and high costs, but the presence of Jack Grealish on loan could be key in convincing the duo to make the switch to Goodison Park.
While Everton’s interest in Mainoo and Zirkzee grabs headlines, the club’s transfer strategy is expected to be measured. Both players remain on uncertain ground at Old Trafford, with United yet to decide whether they will be allowed to leave. Grealish’s loan to Everton is seen as a potential blueprint for attracting top talent to the club in future windows.
Everton have already invested heavily, spending around €130 million (£113m) in the summer, including high-profile signings Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry. Both have struggled to make a consistent impact, and injuries to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite have further stretched David Moyes’ squad. Adding to the strain, Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are away with their national teams at the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite these challenges, Moyes does not anticipate a flurry of January activity.
Before Everton’s goalless draw with Burnley, Moyes stated that the club would not pursue quick fixes, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning with the ownership: “We don’t expect to do loads of business in January. If we find players we need, we’ll be delighted, but it’s about having a plan and moving in the right way.”
According to reports, Everton are specifically eyeing loan deals for Mainoo, the 20-year-old midfielder, and forward Zirkzee. Both potential moves are expected to be complicated and costly, with Manchester United undecided on letting the pair leave. Grealish’s presence at Everton could act as a persuasive factor, showing that top players can thrive at the club even after leaving bigger squads.
A source told the press, “Grealish has opened doors for Everton, and others may follow. This was always a multi-window strategy. We’ll act when the right opportunities arise, but not just to spend money for the sake of it.” Grealish himself is reportedly keen on making his Everton loan permanent in 2026 after falling out of favor at Manchester City.
Kobbie Mainoo has had limited opportunities at United this season, sparking speculation about a potential move. Head coach Ruben Amorim, however, sees the young midfielder as a key part of the club’s future. He emphasized Mainoo’s versatility, noting he can fill roles across midfield and adapt to different systems, saying, “He is going to be the future of Manchester United. He just needs to wait for his chance, and everything can change quickly in football.”
Zirkzee has also been linked with a return to Serie A, but Amorim suggested departures in January would be unlikely without reinforcements. “It’s going to be hard for someone to leave if we don’t get a replacement. Even with a full squad, we are short. We need to win every game, and there are no excuses,” he explained.
Everton’s January plans highlight a mix of ambition and pragmatism. Mainoo and Zirkzee represent exciting options, but United’s reluctance and financial demands will test the Toffees’ resolve. Grealish’s role could be decisive in attracting the Manchester United duo, signaling Everton’s evolving approach to squad building under Moyes.