Noel Whelan has claimed that Richarlison's agent has now been 'on the phone' over a potential exit from Everton in the summer.

The Lowdown: Man Utd lurking

As per Goal, Manchester United are now considering a move for Richarlison this summer, while both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona could also join the race for his signature.

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According to 90min, his representatives have already told the Goodison Park faithful that he wants to leave, in order to boost his chances of being selected for Brazil’s FIFA World Cup squad.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who has worked as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds, has claimed that Richarlison's agent has been 'on the phone' with regards to a potential move, and believes that it would be 'very, very difficult' to replace him:

“There’s no doubt that Richarlison’s agent has been on the phone to him.

“He will be asking how he feels, taking notes on the season and how it’s going. It’s not going very well.

“Richarlison, not long ago was linked with Barcelona and Everton were turning down massive bids. When you get players like this, there’s no doubt that people will be interested.

“If they do go down, and that’s an if, their big players and big stars will have to be sold to recoup money into the football club.

“If they do stay up after this season, I think Frank Lampard will be (thinking) a lot about people’s characters. Richarlison’s been there a long time.

“It might be something in his mind that he does need a change. How do you go out there and replace that sort of quality? It’s very, very difficult.

“There are always agents out there sniffing around and trying to do something behind the backs. Just testing the water.”

The Verdict: Gone

It is hard to envisage Richarlison staying at the Merseyside club beyond this season, given the calibre of clubs that are reportedly interested in signing him.

The Toffees have had nothing short of a dire campaign, and are now under serious threat of relegation in the Premier League.

If Richarlison wants to guarantee a place in the Brazil squad, given the plethora of attacking talent that they already possess, then he may need to prove himself at a higher level, and so that would potentially mean leaving the Blues in the summer.

In other news, find out who is now 'back in full training' for EFC here!