Everton have reportedly received a major blow in their pursuit of Manchester United winger Memphis Depay.
According to The Mirror, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho plans to block any move from Everton for Memphis Depay, as he fears that the winger could come back to haunt him.
Depay, 22, was a major signing for United in the summer of 2015, as he hit 28 goals in 40 games for PSV Eindhoven during the 2014/15 season to become one of the most sought-after players Europe.
Memphis Depay in action against Luxembourg
The Dutchman chose to join United and link up with compatriot Louis van Gaal, penning a deal allegedly worth £75,000-a-week, but he scored just two goals in 29 games during his first Premier League season with the club, and has played just 20 minutes of league action this season.
Depay is now becoming an outcast under Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, but showed what he can do with two goals for the Netherlands against Luxembourg on Sunday evening.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
One Premier League manager is very keen on Depay though, as Everton’s Ronald Koeman – who tried and failed to sign the winger for Southampton in 2015 – told FOX Sports NL over the weekend that he finds Depay ‘interesting’ and would like to work with him.
The comments have sparked suggestions that Depay could be heading to Goodison Park in January, but those hopes have been dampened by new reports emerging this evening.
Manchester United’s Memphis Depay in action with Fenerbahce’s Alper Potuk
The Mirror claim that United boss Mourinho is unwilling to let Depay join Everton on loan, as he has fears that the winger could come back to haunt him, given that United and Everton currently sit locked on 18 points in the Premier League table.
That means that a move to Turkey could be on the cards for Depay, with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray both interested in taking him on loan – and whilst there is time for Mourinho to change his mind, Everton have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Depay.
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