Manchester United rejected a £10 million loan deal from Everton for Joshua Zirkzee last night, according to journalist Alan Myers.
Manager David Moyes was desperate to strengthen his attacking ranks before the transfer deadline following Beto’s exit from the club.
Folarin Balogun pulled out of a move despite a deal sheet being submitted. The Toffees tabled a bid for Man United striker Zirkzee.
However, the Red Devils knocked it back, leaving Everton without a deadline-day signing.
The Merseyside club were also interested in a loan move for Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham.
The Englishman was reluctant to join them, opting to remain at Villa. They were open to letting him leave.
He is currently behind Nicolas Jackson and Brian Madjo in the pecking order and could have had the chance to challenge Thierno Barry for a place in the Toffees’ starting XI.
Barry is now Everton’s only recognised senior centre forward, and Moyes will hope wingers Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George, Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling can all step up.
The Blues have to improve significantly in attack to boost their chances of qualifying for Europe.
They have had an underwhelming summer transfer window and Moyes has a huge task on his hands.
Everton have won two of their opening three games of 2026-27, drawing the other one, and their next fixtures will be big tests.
They host Man United this weekend before travelling to face Tottenham Hotspur.
