Memphis Depay urged to leave Manchester United to work under Ronald Koeman at Everton

Ex-Everton winger Andy van der Meyde believes his former side are the perfect club for Manchester United winger Memphis Depay, urging the youngster to link up with Ronald Koeman on Merseyside.

Depay has been limited to just 126 minutes of first-team football in all competitions this season having struggled to force his way into Jose Mourinho's plans at Old Trafford. Everton boss Koeman, who tried to sign the Netherlands international while in charge of Southampton in 2014, is still keen on the winger, revealing in a recent interview he is hopeful of signing the 22-year-old.

His comments have prompted talk of a January loan move to Goodison Park and while the former PSV Eindhoven star insists he is not quite ready to throw in the towel at United, a formal offer from the Toffees with the promise of a first-team role could tempt him.

While his own Everton career was derailed by a series of off-the-field issues, van der Meyde believes his young countryman would thrive at Everton, particularly under the tutelage of two men who know his game well.

Van der Meyde told Voetbal International: "His transfer to Manchester United he earned all through hard work himself, but now is at any age where he needs to play more. His talent is never lost, but you have to play football to continue to develop.

"Memphis is too talented to sit on the bench. Everton has Ronald and Erwin Koeman, trainers who know from the Dutch league. They know how he is. That can be a big advantage. Everton is the perfect club for Memphis Depay, but only because Ronald Koeman is there."

Depay rejected the chance to join Southampton following the 2014 World Cup, instead choosing to remain at PSV Eindhoven for another season. He went onto win the Eredivisie title, finishing as the league's top scorer, before finally joining United in June 2015.