Gremio Winger Everton Talks Manchester United Rumours: 'Let's See What Happens'

Christopher Simpson @@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistNovember 19, 2018

Everton Ribeiro de Freitas Castro of Brazilian Gremio celebrates after scoring a goal against Argentinian Atletico Tucuman during their Copa Libertadores football match at the Jose Fierro stadium in Tucuman, northern Argentina, on September 18, 2018. (Photo by Walter Monteros / AFP) (Photo credit should read WALTER MONTEROS/AFP/Getty Images)

WALTER MONTEROS/Getty Images

Gremio winger Everton has said he will not consider his future at the club until the end of the season in Brazil amid speculation linking him with Manchester United.

According to Goal, United have reportedly scouted him ahead of a potential £30 million bid, while ESPN added Manchester City as another potential suitor.

However, when asked about the Red Devils, he told SporTV (h/t Goal):

"We all hear the rumours at some point, right? I'm going through an exceptional phase, and we know how hard it is when clubs from England look at Brazilian players, for their quality.

"Let's see what happens at the end of the season, wait until it is over, and see what's best both for me and Gremio."

The 22-year-old, who predominantly operates from the left, has scored 16 goals in 37 matches for Gremio this season as well as laying on three assists.

Five of those goals came in the Copa Libertadores, where he helped his side reach the semi-finals.

Everton recently broke into Brazil's senior side and has made two appearances, having made his debut in September, and he looks to be an exciting prospect.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

However, unless he can perform as well on the right as he can on the left, United have relatively little need for him.

As football writer Liam Canning noted, the Red Devils have failed to strengthen that flank in recent years:

Liam Canning @LiamPaulCanning
I do find it utterly baffling how it has been years and years since Manchester United had an expert crosser at the club. How they neglect the right wing each transfer window is criminal.

As a result, United have the likes of Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez among their options for the left, but they have no natural fits on the right wing.

Typically, either Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata or Jesse Lingard is deployed in that position.

None are at their most effective there, though. Rashford—while his finishing needs some work—is a striker, whereas Mata and Lingard are more impactful in a central role and don't provide the width United require, with the former also struggling for pace.

Everton has made five appearances on the right wing for Gremio this season, but it seems the opposite flank is his natural home.

If that is the case, United wouldn't really be addressing the needs of their squad by splashing out on him.