Richarlison's explanation for turning down Man Utd as transfer links reemerge

Everton forward Richarlison's comments from 2020 after being linked with Manchester United could indicate how successful the Red Devils will be in their pursuit of their Brazilian this summer.

With the Toffees fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Premier League, clubs are keeping a close eye on the talent at Goodison Park. Frank Lampard's side sits just three points above the relegation zone in 17th.

Everton fans are, understandably, furious with their team's collapse this season and the fact they are even in a relegation battle given the investment into the club over the past few years. However, money has not been well spent at the Merseyside outfit and there are only a sprinkling of top-quality players at the club despite their hundreds of millions spent on transfers.

Striker Richarlison, who has scored four and assisted three so far this season, is certainly expected to be of interest if the Toffees are relegated. United were previously interested in the 24-year-old in the 2020 January transfer window, but he opted to remain at Everton. But that may not scupper the Red Devils' chances this time around as the timing of the transfer approach seemed to be what prevented Richarlison from making the move.

He previously told Los Desimpedidos : “There were lots of offers during the season, from Barcelona, from Manchester (United). But the club opted to keep me in the group and I didn't want to leave in the middle of the season. It's bad to leave teammates like this." If the Brazil international isn't concerned about leaving his teammates in the Championship, he may now be keen on a move.

Goal Brazil have reported that United have labelled the 24-year-old as a 'promising and interesting name' as the club begin plotting their transfers for the summer. With Edinson Cavani out of contract at the end of the season, the Red Devils could be left with just Cristiano Ronaldo as their only out and out striker next season.

And the 37-year-old will lack competition for a starting spot as Mason Greenwood is currently unavailable and Marcus Rashford is thought to be weighing up whether to make a move away from Old Trafford. United boss Ralf Rangnick is thought to be keen to bring a young forward into the club when he takes up a consultancy role at the end of the season, previously expressing doubts over whether Ronaldo is capable of leading the line for United next season.

Manchester United have reignited their interest in Everton forward Richarlison

Although Richarlison's contract runs until 2024, he was reluctant to rule out moving away from Everton in the future. Speaking last week, he told Goal : “Look, I have two more years on my contract here. It's hard to talk about leaving because I have great affection for Everton, I have music, I have everything here.

“It's very complicated to talk about leaving. I'm not prepared for this moment, but we never know tomorrow. We have to be aware and prepared for everything. Let's make this season there so that, in the next one, we can see what will happen.”

Potentially, whoever United appoint as their new manager may influence whether Richarlison could be tempted to move to the Theatre of Dreams. PSG's Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax's Erik ten Hag have both been linked with the upcoming vacancy, though the club are yet to decide who their number one candidate is.