Everton are closing in on the appointment of Manchester United’s academy chief Nick Cox.
Man United fans are gutted that Cox is leaving for Everton as they view him as one of the best around in his role.
The 47-year-old chief has been able to create a universally admired culture around Carrington’s academy, and there is a clear pathway to the first team for many.
Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and more recently Chido Obi are recent examples of graduates under his stewardship.
And, there is another notable example who he could actually bring with him to Everton.
Nick Cox could bring Harry Amass with him to Everton
After missing out on European football last term, it’s been widely reported that Man United will have to raise funds to meet PSR regulations.
Homegrown players are usually the first players to be sold in these situations as they generate pure profit, and there has been some speculation about Harry Amass’ future, with some suggesting the club may be forced to sanction his sale.
If that is the case, Cox and his soon-to-be Everton colleagues can take advantage and bring Amass to Merseyside.
Moyes is in the market for a new left-back as he looks to provide Vitaliy Mykolenko with competition, so the United teenager would certainly be a great option.
Cox has overseen his development at Carrington and recently praised his resilience to break through into Ruben Amorim’s first team.
“He’s been in and around the first-team squad for maybe about a year, hasn’t he? I don’t pick the team, so the reasons why he wasn’t selected [before Leicester] will be valid, but that’s for the coaching staff and Harry to know the reasons, but he’s had to be patient,” Cox explained to the Manchester Evening News.
“It wasn’t as if he wasn’t disappointed. Of course you’re desperate, you want to play and get on the pitch, but I’ve been really impressed with the determination, the resilience and the persistence to keep learning. He’s spent time with the first team and then back with the youth team.
“He’s kept working, kept improving and been ready for when the moment comes. As a young player, you don’t know when it’s going to come, and you’ve got to be ready, which isn’t easy.”
Amass could even replace Mykolenko
Amass has been labelled a ‘special talent’ and his excellent performances with the reserves and first team saw him win the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award last term.
The 18-year-old is a regular at youth level for England, so clearly he’s regarded as one of the best talents in the country for his age group.
Amass has already made seven appearances for Amorim’s men, and that suggests that if he did join Everton, he may well come in to replace Mykolenko, let alone offer competition.
Anyhow, there’s plenty of legwork to be done on this deal before anything materialises, and there’s no guarantee United would even sanction a move.
United were looking at extending his deal last month, according to Fabrizio Romano, so a loan may be the only possibility.
