MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is edging close to a move to Everton, after Sean Dyche made the player his "number one target".
Hannibal rejected the chance to play for Tunisia in the African Cup of Nations to force through a January transfer.
And Old Trafford sources say he is close to agreeing a Goodison switch.
The source said: "Everton want the player and Manchester United are happy for him to go out on loan. They’d prefer him to stay in the Premier League as it will provide a better barometer and benchmark for his abilities as a player.
"If he can go out on loan to Everton and make an impression, he could force his way into content at United.
"He’s highly thought of at United and by Ten Hag, but he will get more chances at Everton. Sean Dyche is a big fan, and he thinks the player can give them a different edge to their game. He's become the number one January priority.
"He also wants to bring in a striker and a full back. But loan deals are likely to be the road he goes down to beef up his squad."
Our story comes one day after Hannibal was linked with a switch to Spanish giants Sevilla.
The Tunisian has been a regular in match-day squads this season but has struggled for minutes on the pitch and is eager to get further experience of first-team football.
United recently triggered a clause to extend Hannibal’s contract.
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He was the subject of interest from a number of clubs over the summer and had the chance to join Besiktas on loan but the midfielder wanted to stay and fight for his place under Erik ten Hag after impressing at Birmingham in the Championship last season.
However, with United having been knocked out of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, opportunities for Mejbri could be limited in the second half of the season.
The source added: "It’s unlikely any loan move will have an option for a permanent switch. Ten Hag wants to assess how Hannibal does and then make a firm decision about his future in the summer."
