Everton 'attempting to hijack Sevilla's move for Hannibal Mejbri'

Everton are reportedly attempting to sign Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on loan for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign ahead of Spanish outfit Sevilla.

Man United recently activated an extension in Hannibal's contract, with his terms at Old Trafford now due to run until the summer of 2025.

However, the Tunisia international is widely expected to leave Old Trafford on loan this month, as his opportunities in the squad could be limited in the second half of the campaign, with both Casemiro and Mason Mount nearing returns to action.

On Saturday, it was reported that Sevilla were closing in on an agreement with both Man United and Hannibal to sign the 20-year-old on loan for the second half of the campaign.

The two clubs are also allegedly discussing a possible purchase option being included in the deal, while it has also been claimed that Man United could have a buyback clause.

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Hannibal has allegedly rejected interest from a number of clubs, including Freiburg and Lyon, with a view to making the move to Sevilla.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Everton are currently attempting to hijack his switch to Estadio Ramon, with the Toffees keen to keep him in the Premier League.

Romano claims that it will be up to the youngster to decide his next move, with the midfielder seeking regular action in the second half of the campaign.

Hannibal has played nine times for the 20-time English champions during the 2023-24 campaign, including five appearances in the Premier League.

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The midfielder has played in two of Man United's last four league matches, and he would have been in line to face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Monday evening, but an appearance in that fixture is now unlikely due to the speculation surrounding his future.

Hannibal made the move to Old Trafford from Monaco in 2019, and he has played 12 times for the 20-time English champions since his arrival.

The youngster spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Birmingham City, featuring on 41 occasions in all competitions, before returning to Erik ten Hag's side last summer.

Man United are believed to be keen on Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, although there have been no indications at this stage that the Red Devils could use Hannibal in an attempt to sign the Belgium international, who is also being linked with Arsenal and Barcelona.