Manchester United Transfer News: Jonny Evans, Adnan Januzaj Raid Eyed by Everton

Everton are reportedly interested in signing Jonny Evans and Adnan Januzaj from Manchester United, two players who have largely failed to make an impact with Louis van Gaal's squad this season.

Scott Loney of Goal indicates that the Toffees are "considering a summer move" for Evans, while the prospect of taking Januzaj on loan also excites the Merseyside club.

Evans has made 12 Premier League starts this term, per WhoScored.com. He is usually a reliable if underwhelming centre-back but has struggled to make a positive impression this campaign. The 27-year-old has been sloppy on the ball, easily pulled out of position and slow to recover, leaving United exposed.

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With Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett at the club before any summer signings are added, Evans is likely to be deemed surplus to requirements. The Northern Irishman promised to develop into a United leader during the post-Nemanja Vidic-Rio Ferdinand era, but the absence of those players has halted his progress.

Great things are expected of Januzaj, but his development has somewhat stalled this season. Richard Jolly of ESPN FC reports that Everton are interested in a temporary deal for the Belgian winger, who needs consistent first-team football to improve his game.

Januzaj possesses explosive qualities, but he's yet to maintain his impact when starting. As noted by WhoScored, he completes 1.1 dribbles per appearance but is dispossessed 0.9 times. He completes 0.4 crosses and 81.3 per cent of his passes, suggesting sloppiness currently grips his game.

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Like many young players, Januzaj is suffering as a result of his wildly inconsistent performances. Perhaps the added expectation of receiving Ryan Giggs' No. 11 shirt is also playing a part.

United and Everton have regularly done business with each other over the years. The Red Devils have sent players such as Tim Howard, Phil Neville, Darron Gibson and Louis Saha to Goodison Park, while Wayne Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and former manager David Moyes have made the journey from Merseyside to Old Trafford.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez will be looking to strengthen his defensive options and add some flair going forward. Evans and Januzaj can provide this inspiration when in form. Van Gaal could use the squad space to lure stars who are more equipped to help United challenge for the title, an objective recently discussed by Bleacher Report's Matteo Bonetti:

Martinez helped Barcelona starlet Gerard Deulofeu expand his game with a loan spell last season, so he could do the same for Januzaj. At this point, United will be looking to provide the Belgian with opportunities to face the Premier League's best in order to make good on his potential.

With reported United target Memphis Depay looking for a "dream" move to the English top division, per Fox Sports (h/t Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News), the pressure on Januzaj to perform is only likely to increase.