Race won as Man Utd finalise striker transfer – ‘agreement in place’

Manchester United have agreed a deal with a Championship side for a striker despite Fabrizio Romano’s surprise claims about Everton.

The striker position still needs work at Man Utd, with Matheus Cunha looking lost at sea when deputising in the position on Saturday.

Benjamin Sesko is Man Utd’s big-money frontman, though since Michael Carrick took charge earlier in 2026, he hasn’t always been entrusted with starting.

Joshua Zirkzee barely gets a kick, and if United can find a buyer for the Dutchman, they will sign an experienced new striker to compete with Sesko before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Another centre-forward on the Red Devils’ books is Ethan Wheatley, though he won’t remain at Old Trafford for much longer.

Back on August 1, transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, brought surprising news of Everton weighing up a ‘formal approach’ for the 20-year-old.

He explained on X: ‘EXCL: Everton are interested in Man United talented striker Ethan Wheatley.

‘#EFC preparing a proposal to make formal approach with Man United soon for the 20 year old forward.’

Everton’s interest was surprising because Wheatley is not Premier League standard at this stage in his career, as evidenced by his extremely modest goals output during loan spells at lower league clubs.

During stints with Walsall (League Two), Northampton Town and Bradford City (both League One), Wheatley scored just three goals in 40 appearances combined.

During his most recent loan spell with Bradford, Wheatley didn’t find the net once in 11 outings.

In any case, Wheatley isn’t heading to Merseyside, with journalist Pete O’Rourke revealing Man Utd will loan the player to Championship new boys, Lincoln City.

Lincoln City win race to loan Man Utd striker Ethan Wheatley

O’Rourke stated on X: ‘Understand Manchester United forward Ethan Wheatley has agreed a move to Lincoln City.

‘A number of clubs were chasing Wheatley, but Lincoln have won for striker’s signature.’

Ben Jacobs subsequently echoed O’Rourke’s reporting and verified it’s a loan for Wheatley and not a sale.

Jacobs wrote on X: ‘Ethan Wheatley set to join Lincoln City on a season-long loan, as @SportsPeteO called.

‘Agreement in place between Lincoln and Manchester United.’

Wheatley’s contract back at Man Utd runs until the summer of 2028 and the Red Devils hold an option for an extra season.

The striker will be 21 years and six months old once his loan at Lincoln ends. Upon returning from the loan, Man Utd will have a decision to make on whether they believe Wheatley can make it one day at Old Trafford, or whether it’s time to part ways permanently.