Everton are reportedly set to offer Memphis Depay a temporary way out of his Manchester United nightmare by taking him on loan in January.
The Liverpool Echo claims that Toffees boss Ronald Koeman was in attendance at the Ajax Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday evening to run the rule over hiscompatriot in the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Belgium -but witnessed Depay play just 25 minutes of the encounter after he was introduced as a second-half substitute.
Depay has been starved of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford this season, with Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho unwilling to offer him a chance to shine despite the Portuguese's lack of impressive options in attack.
The Echo also believes that United would be willing to sanction a move away for Depay in the January transfer window, and Everton could pounce for the former PSV Eindhoven youth prodigy as they look to bolster their own options in the forward areas at Goodison Park.
Kevin Mirallas and Gerard Deulofeu have flattered to deceive under the guidance of Koeman thus far, while fellow winger Aaron Lennon has not been utilised as many fans would have expected.
Everton youth product Ross Barkley has also endured an inconsistent opening three months under the Dutchman, while loan signing Enner Valencia has not impressed during his time at the club.
With just Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Bolasie leading the charge in attack for the Blues, Koeman could turn to Depay in a bid to improve both Everton's and the 22-year-old's chances in the Premier League, with the ex-Southampton manager thought to be confident over his ability to get the best out of Depay on Merseyside.
What do you make of this, #EFC fans? https://t.co/ryic9SqDiZ
Koeman revealed that he tried to sign Depay during his time at St.Mary's, but realised that Depay would not entertain joining Southampton once United came calling.
At the time he said: We tried to bring him to Southampton but he wanted to stay for one more year at PSV. When United went in for him this summer, we knew at Saints that we had no chance. When they come, we have no chance."
Two potential sticking points over any possible move, however, could be United's unwillingness to strengthen a top six rival with one of their outcasts, while Serie A club Roma are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the winger ahead of the winter window,which opens in seven weeks time.
A £25m signing in June 2015, Depay has registered just seven goals in 55 appearances for United. The left sided forward, who plundered an impressive 50 strikes in 124 games for PSV before his transfer, has featured just seven times this term, with his only start coming in September's EFL Cup triumph over Northampton Town.
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