Erik ten Hag has re-iterated his reluctance to sanction the departure of Everton target Anthony Elanga at this stage of the transfer window.
The winger has struggled for minutes following Manchester United's summer signing of Antony and the emergence of youngster Alejandro Garnacho. The 20-year-old has started just six times this season and recent opportunities have been limited.
Yet a loan move to Merseyside is unlikely to be seriously considered until further developments at Old Trafford, with ten Hag's hunt for a striker and Jadon Sancho's bid to return to first team action both understood to be crucial factors.
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Everton are looking to boost Frank Lampard's attacking options this month after a first section of the season during which goals were hard to come by. Dominic Calvert-Lewin's return to fitness - and the starting line-up against Manchester City - was a welcome step forward and academy striker Ellis Simms has now been recalled from his loan at Sunderland. The 21-year-old scored seven goals in 17 Championship games, including in back to back matches over Christmas, and will now have the chance to compete with Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and fellow starlet Tom Cannon.
Keen for more options - particularly players who can have an immediate impact on the Blues' attacking fortunes - Elanga is on Everton's radar. But his availability is dependent upon what happens at Old Trafford in the coming weeks.
Elanga has been in every matchday squad so far this season and, while Sancho continues to work on an individual training programme, is set to remain part of the setup. Ten Hag is also searching for a striker following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking on the possibility of Elanga heading out on loan, ten Hag said on Monday: "I know we have good players and I know a lot of clubs will have an interest in players who aren’t playing for us so often. But we need the squad. We need depth in the squad and especially, I would say, the frontline."
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