Everton boss Ronald Koeman is reportedly plotting a stunning double swoop in January for Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay.
According to The Express, the Dutchman is keen on taking both players to Goodison Park in the New Year, and is willing to explore his options with an initial loan deal a possibility for his compatriot.
It’s added in the report that United are not keen on allowing Rooney to leave midway through the campaign, but the Toffees are likely to have more joy with trying to acquire Depay with a loan deal in January a likely compromise.
The former PSV star has made just eight appearances in all competitions so far this year, totalling 134 minutes of playing time and has struggled to live up to expectations since his move last year.
Having failed to deliver consistently under former boss Louis van Gaal, he has failed to impress Mourinho in his limited action and in turn it looks as though the Portuguese tactician is ready to let him leave, particularly with so much competition in that area of his squad.
Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are all options behind the main striker, and so Depay’s chances of regular playing time look bleak.
As for Rooney, any return to Everton would likely have to wait until next summer, as per the report, but much will also depend on his desire to stay at Old Trafford or move on as things become increasingly difficult for him to keep his place in the side under Jose Mourinho.
The England captain is still chasing club records and so could be keen on staying in Manchester before a sentimental return to Goodison Park, but it remains to be seen what Mourinho has planned for him and if he is content with not always being first choice.