Everton plot late transfer move for Sheffield United ace | OneFootball

Femi Seriki has been linked with a move to Merseyside ahead of the transfer deadline

Everton are reportedly monitoring the situation of Sheffield United full-back Femi Seriki ahead of next Monday's transfer deadline.

That is according to a report from the Sheffield Star, with the Blades currently braced for strong interest in the defender, as well as fellow Bramall Lane academy graduate, Andre Brooks.

It has been a mixed season in the Championship for the Steel City side, who are about to see the first window of Chris Wilder's third spell in charge of his boyhood club come to an end.

It has certainly been an intriguing four-week period in S2, albeit not much has fallen in the way of incomings as of yet, with a handful of loan departures sanctioned for those on the fringes of Wilder's first team, whilst others had seen their stints in South Yorkshire terminated.

The only incoming - as the deadline of 7PM on February 2nd looms - for the Blades thus far saw Dutch full-back Ki-Jana Hoever strike a loan move of his own from the Premier League's bottom club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, for the second half of the season, whilst Patrick Bamford saw his short-term contract extended into a fresh 18-month deal earlier in the month due to his immediate impact.

Whilst a handful of players continue to be linked with a potential move to Bramall Lane, United could also be set to lose some of their key performers from this season, in what would be a huge blow to their aspirations for the remainder of the campaign.

Everton FC set sights on Sheffield United defender Femi Seriki ahead of February 2nd transfer deadline

The Star's report claims that the Toffees have targeted a potential move for 23-year-old Seriki as David Moyes looks to address his issues at full-back, as Everton have been linked with a plethora of transfer options, but have failed to land the services of any new players throughout the window as things stand.

Seriki has been a prime example of how successful the academy system has been at Bramall Lane in recent times, with the publication stating that four graduates will be named in Wilder's squad as United prepare for an intense clash with Millwall at The Den on Saturday afternoon.

The Manchester-born defender has now made over 50 appearances in all competitions for the Blades since making his professional debut against Newcastle United in the Premier League back in May 2021, with the bulk of his appearances coming in the past 18 months under both Wilder and his successor-turned predecessor, Ruben Selles.

Seriki has featured in 22 of the Blades' 28 league encounters so far this season, scoring his first goal for the club in the 4-0 home rout over Stoke City on December 6th.

December proved to be an extremely productive month for the highly-rated figure, as he also racked up three of his four assists throughout the hectic festive schedule, before also turning provider for Callum O'Hare in the 3-1 success over Leicester City on New Year's Day.

Despite the recent loan signing of Hoever, Seriki has remained Wilder's first-choice option at full-back, although it remains to be seen how long his services can be retained for after an impressive individual campaign.

The defender is currently under contract until the summer of 2027, and it is understood that he has emerged as a potential target for Everton, who are also reportedly interested in a move for Genoa full-back, Brooke Norton-Cuffy.

It has also been claimed that United are reluctant to sell Seriki, as well as Brooks, and that Wilder is likely to have alerted COH Sports to the duo's respective contract situations.

Sheffield United will hope to fend off Femi Seriki interest from Everton FC

Seriki has become an influential figure for the Blades over time, and it would be a huge blow for the club to lose his services, albeit he has definitely showcased performance levels that would warrant an eventual Premier League move.

With 18 months left on his current deal, United will begin to lose any bargaining power they currently have over any transfer negotiations unless a new contract is put on the table and accepted.

However, it also remains to be seen whether Everton's interest is concrete enough for the Merseyside outfit to submit an adequate offer in what remains in the window, with it well-documented that Moyes is in need of further depth beyond the duo of Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson.