Report: Manchester United scout Everton’s prolific loanee Henry Onyekuru

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Everton owned striker Henry Onyekuru is turning heads at Anderlecht with Manchester United and Barcelona the latest clubs to express an interest.

Will Henry Onyekuru ever play a game for Everton? The Toffees won a Europe-wide race for the Nigerian striker in the summer, paying £7 million for a player (BBC) who enjoyed a prolific breakthrough season in Belgium with KAS Eupen.

Due to work permit issues, however, Everton were forced to loan Onyekuru back to Belgium for a season, the 20-year-old joining reigning champions Anderlecht on loan.

But his performances this season have been so impressive that some of Europe’s biggest clubs are eager to snare Onyekuru away from Everton before he’s even made his debut. Serie A champions Juventus were linked last month by Calciomercato after the youngster, who idolises Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, caused Paris Saint Germain no end of problems in the Champions League.

And Belgian publication Het Laasts Nieuws is now reporting that both Manchester United and Barcelona sent scouts to watch Onyekuru in action against Royal Excel Mouscron at the weekend.

They could not have timed their trip better with the object of their affections netting the winner, his seventh goal in 14 games this season. The report adds that Premier League duo Southampton and Stoke City are also keen, as are Ajax.

But it would make little sense for Everton to entertain any offers for a player who’s value has now reportedly doubled to around £15 million.

Given just how many teams are still desperate to land arguably Africa’s hottest young striker, it’s pretty clear just what a talent The Toffees have on their hands. Everton have lacked a prolific goalscorer this season but, with Onyekuru due to return at the end of this season, they might not have to wait much longer to solve their problem position.

This may not stop Man United making a big bid, however – potentially teaming Onyekuru up with Romelu Lukaku, another striker who started his career by scoring goals for fun in Belgium.