Sheffield United face new blow in trying to seal Everton transfer deal | OneFootball

Sheffield United have been linked with a deal to sign Nathan Patterson

Nathan Patterson has emerged as a possible signing for Sheffield United this summer, but will the Blades have a clear run at the Scotsman?

The Everton defender has been linked with a move to Bramall Lane after he struggled for game time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.

The full-back featured seven times in the Premier League as the Toffees finished 13th in the table, with just three of his appearances coming as starts.

He has fallen down the pecking order under David Moyes, leading to uncertainty over his future with the club.

The 24-year-old made the move to Merseyside in the 2022 January transfer window, and he’s played a total of 56 times in the top flight in that time.

However, his contract is set to expire in June 2027, meaning Everton will need to cash in now in order to avoid losing him for nothing in 12 months, if they no longer want to keep him.

Sheffield United face setback in Nathan Patterson chase

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It has been reported by the Liverpool Echo that a number of top flight clubs across several divisions are all targeting a move for Patterson.

The Blades will face stiff competition in the race for his signature, with an exit from Everton looking increasingly likely.

A return to Scotland could be on the cards, as well as a move further abroad, with a number of teams all monitoring the situation with the defender.

It remains to be seen whether Sheffield United could convince Patterson to take the step down to the Championship.

But it will come as a blow to the Yorkshire outfit that they will not have a free run at the defender, as Chris Wilder looks to bolster his first team squad.

Sheffield United endured an underwhelming campaign, so will be keen to strengthen this summer in order to bridge the gap to the top teams.

Wilder’s side finished 13th in the table, 13 points adrift of the top six, just 12 months on from losing to Sunderland in the play-off final.

The play-offs will expand from next season to include an additional two teams, so Sheffield United will be targeting a top eight finish in 2027, as they eye a return to the Premier League.

Right-back is an area that Wilder is prioritising this summer in order to bolster their play-off chances, with Patterson now emerging as a key target - even with Femi Seriki emerging as one of the most promising second tier players in that position this past season.

Chris Wilder will have to convince Nathan Patterson of Sheffield United project

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With top flight teams in the race to sign Patterson, Wilder may have to go on a charm offensive in order to convince him to drop down to the Championship.

While the full-back hasn’t quite lived up to his full potential at Everton, there’s no doubt he could be a quality addition to the Blades’ squad.

Injuries have hampered his progress with the Premier League side, and that is something Sheffield United will need to be wary of as they pursue his signature.

But tying down the 24-year-old this summer would represent a positive piece of business, and could prove a great step forward in getting back into the competitive picture.