Everton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed that he did not end interest in Manchester United winger Memphis Depay, but rather that the player was given options to go elsewhere.

At the start of the January transfer window, Koeman made it clear that his fellow Dutchman was on his wishlist.

However, numerous media outlets, including Sky Sports, that Depay is on the verge of joining Ligue 1 side Lyon in a deal that could rise to £21.7m.

The Liverpool Echo reports that Everton would have preferred a loan deal for the 22-year-old, but United were only considering permanent transfers.

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When asked if he had given up on signing the player, Koeman told reporters:

“No, it was one of our options to bring in but the business is not done between Everton and Manchester United, but the player had different options and that is what happened.

“It is not fair to speak about him because he is not an Everton player and, from what I hear, he will sign in France.”

Had Depay joined the Merseyside outfit, he would have teamed up with his former United teammate Morgan Schneiderlin, who joined the Toffees earlier this month for a reported £20m fee.

Everton have also captured the signature of teenager Ademola Lookman from Charlton Athletic this month, and he marked his debut with a goal in last weekend's 4-0 rout over Manchester City.

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