Sheffield United plot Everton transfer amid Kyle Walker twist | OneFootball

Nathan Patterson is reportedly on the Blades' transfer radar

Sheffield United's plans for the upcoming Championship campaign have been well-documented, with Chris Wilder plotting a major squad reshuffle at Bramall Lane after a year's worth of inconsistency both on and off the pitch.

12 months ago, the 58-year-old was controversially relieved of his duties by American ownership group, COH Sports, with Ruben Selles taking up his vacancy in the dugout - a move which turned out to be nothing short of disastrous.

Wilder was then reinstated into his position as manager last September after the Spaniard endured a horrendous six-game tenure in which all games across all competitions ended in defeat, albeit many of the Blades' squad from the play-off final loss against Sunderland had remained in S2 despite a handful of high-profile departures.

The Steel City outfit were eventually able to guide themselves clear of an unwanted and unexpected season-long relegation battle against the drop into League One for the first time since 2017, although they were unable to continue riding the crest of a wave heading into the final weeks and months of 2025/26.

United were able to end the season in relatively strong fashion, but an end position of 13th, as many points behind eventual play-off victors, Hull City, only further showcased where they had fallen short as a collective.

The aforementioned Wilder has since made it no secret that sweeping changes will be made throughout his squad, and that was also seen in the club's retained list, although some decisions were certainly more of a shock than others.

And, with the summer transfer window looming large, it appears clear that a new full-back will be welcomed at Bramall Lane, with a fresh update coming to light.

Sheffield United revive transfer interest in Everton full-back Nathan Patterson

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Indeed, a report has emerged from local publication - the Star - claiming that one potential defensive reinforcement could come in the form of Everton's Scottish international full-back, Nathan Patterson.

The Glaswegian was acquired by the Toffees over four years ago in a reported £16m deal from Rangers, but has endured a mixed period on Merseyside, which has continued into the club's first season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Since his move south of the border, the 24-year-old has only racked up 67 appearances in all competitions, with the past year in particular proving extremely difficult as a result of two injuries, as well as the form of other defensive colleagues.

Everton had previously been linked with United defender, Femi Seriki, and are now reportedly interested in a move for West Ham United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka following confirmation of Seamus Coleman's exit at the end of the season, as well as further transfer discourse concerning Patterson.

The Star's report also credits Serie A side, Bologna, with interest in the man who was called up to Scotland's 25-man squad for the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, although any potential cost is yet to be revealed.

Nathan Patterson links come amid fresh Sheffield United, Kyle Walker twist

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Re-emerging links to Patterson also come amid a fresh twist in United's hopes of signing former defender, six-time Premier League winner and England international, Kyle Walker, who was recently relegated to the Championship with Burnley.

Walker, 36, has made it no secret that he would love to return to Bramall Lane at some point, but after links between the two parties originally surfaced last month, a fresh financial hurdle has since come to light.

It has been widely reported that, even without the introduction of the EFL's Squad Cost Rules, Walker would have to take a sizeable pay cut on his ESTIMATED £75,000 per week earnings at Turf Moor to seal an emotional return.

That said, it is no surprise that other targets, such as Patterson, have also come to the fore, as Wilder hopes to provide the aforementioned Seriki with adequate competition heading into a campaign where a play-off push is likely to be the minimal aim for the Blades.