Josh Bowler wants to leave Everton on a permanent basis this summer with just six months left on his Goodison Park contract, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Four years ago, the Toffees raised an eyebrow or two when they paid £4.25 million to sign an 18-year-old winger who had just one senior appearance under his belt (Sky).
Everton obviously saw something special in the former Queens Park Rangers starlet.
But, for whatever reason, Bowler has struggled to live up to expectations on the blue half of Merseyside.
After failing to play a single first-team game in Everton colours, the Steve Walsh signing looks set to depart for a minimal fee.
Bowler, now 21, will become a free agent in July but, according to the Echo, the winger has little interest in waiting until his contract expires.
He wants to go as soon as possible, with a departure expected before the February 1 deadline.
Bowler should not be short of suitors lower down the footballing pyramid, with plenty of clubs in the Championship and League One in need of a speedy wide man with a little bit of ‘magic’ in his boots.
“Josh Bowler was terrific,” Everton youth coach David Unsworth said in 2019 as his side lifted the Premier League 2 title.
“We need to get the ball to his feet in the final third and that’s where you see his magic.”
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