Just in: Deal ‘considered done’ – United ‘expected to announce’ transfer for ‘excellent’ star before deadline

Manchester United’s Ethan Wheatley will join Bradford City on loan before this evening’s 7pm transfer deadline.According to Manchester World journalist Rich Fay, the ‘deal is considered done’ and has been since last week, despite the Bantams welcoming both Paul Mullin and Kayden Jackson to their ranks.As a result, the switch is ‘expected to be announced today’ – barring any late complications. Ethan Wheatley’s loan move to Bradford City still expected to be announced today. The deal was considered done last week and no change to plans despite the fact they also signed Paul Mullin and Kayden Jackson #mufc #BCAFC — Rich Fay (@RichFay) February 2, 2026Wheatley on verge of Bradford switch (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)Wheatley will join the Yorkshire outfit for the second half of the campaign as they vie to oversee back-to-back promotions, which would be nothing short of a tremendous feat if they’re able to get over the line.Currently, Bradford sit fifth-placed in League One, but are only three points adrift of Bolton Wanderers in third.The striker, hailed as ‘excellent’ by Kevin Nolan, spent the first four months of 2025/2026 on loan with Northampton Town, where he returned a respectable three goals and three assists in 22 appearances.United then opted to recall Wheatley at the turn of the year to have him test his exploits elsewhere, before eventually deciding on Valley Parade.What does the future hold for Wheatley at Old Trafford?(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)He is contracted to United until 2028, plus the option of an additional 12 months, so he will be desperate to prove himself to the INEOS hierarchy in hopes of being kept with the first team next term.Since making his debut in a home win over Sheffield United in April 2024, Wheatley has earned another three senior appearances, featuring against Crystal Palace and Arsenal in very brief Premier League cameos, as well as against Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup in October 24.Wheatley has been on the Reds’ books since he was just nine years old, and is currently a three-capped international for the England Under-20s.