Sheffield United have now asked for Everton forward Neal Maupay on loan ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
The Frenchman only joined the Blues last summer in a £15m deal from Brighton & Hove Albion, but had a disastrous season at Goodison Park.
Indeed, in 27 Premier League games for Everton last term, the 26-year-old managed a solitary goal, and contributed no assists as the Toffees avoided relegation by just two points.
However, after just one year on Merseyside, Maupay could be shown the exit door and a loan deal to newly promoted Sheffield United could provide him with a fresh start.
That is according to Football Transfers, who also report that the Blades are interested in Everton’s out-of-favour defender Mason Holgate.
Neal Maupay exit from Everton would be ideal outcome for both player and club
Few Everton fans would be disappointed to see Neal Maupay leave Goodison Park this summer as the striker was insipid in front of goal last season.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Of course, a permanent move away from Everton would be better suited for all parties, though unlikely with the Frenchman contracted at the Blues until the summer of 2025.
A season-long loan it seems could provide a short-term solution, and free up some space within Everton’s squad for Sean Dyche to bring in fresh blood.
Everton are linked with an approach for Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy, who could provide the Toffees with a short-term impact player in a position that the club desperately need investment in.
Indeed, Vardy would provide a better option off the bench than Maupay, who was also recently linked with Serie A side Salernitana.
Everton will never recoup the £15m fee they parted with for Neal Maupay but getting him off the books and replacing him with a prolific centre-forward has to be a priority this summer.