Sheffield United set 'not for sale' stance amid Everton, Crystal Palace & Southampton interest | OneFootball

United are adamant that Louie Marsh is not for sale.

Sheffield United are adamant that young striker Louie Marsh is not for sale this January, amidst interest from several Premier League clubs.

According to TBR Football, top-flight outfits Everton, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Southampton are all admirers of Marsh, but the youngster is extremely highly thought of at Bramall Lane and will not be leaving the Blades on a permanent basis.

That said, there is a strong possibility the young striker will depart Bramall Lane on a loan deal until the end of the season before Monday’s deadline, with the Daily Mail reporting that Huddersfield Town, Stockport County, Barnsley and Stevenage are all keen on Marsh.

The 21-year-old has featured for the Blades in both domestic cups, but is yet to make a league appearance for Chris Wilder’s men so far this season.

Sheffield United fielding Premier League interest in Louie Marsh as well as EFL loan suitors

After Sheffield United bolstered their attacking ranks earlier in the window with the additions of both Tom Cannon and Ben Brereton-Diaz, opportunities for academy talents like Marsh look like being few and far between in the immediate future as the Blades chase a Premier League return.

However, the news that United are not interested in cashing in on Marsh also doesn’t come as any surprise.

It’s clear from the opportunities that have already been presented to Marsh that he has the attributes to become a player who is capable of a lengthy career at a high level.

Although he is still yet to make his senior league debut for the Blades, he has featured in several of Wilder’s matchday squads so far this campaign. He also scored his first ever senior United goal in the EFL Cup victory over Wrexham back in August.

The positive hopes for Marsh’s future clearly stretch further than just Bramall Lane, considering he has already made his debut for England’s under-20's side.

Premier League clubs therefore are looking into signing the young forward, but the message from Bramall Lane is clear - he's not for sale.

What is more likely though is a loan exit from the Blades before Monday's deadline, with Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town one of the clubs at a lower level keen on taking Marsh.

A loan move away from Sheffield United could be ideal for Louie Marsh to kick-start senior career

Given the situation that United currently find themselves in, it doesn’t really suit Marsh to stay at the club and fight for his place

United have recruited well in January to effectively strengthen their attack in order to ensure that they are in the best possible position to claim an automatic promotion spot at the end of the season.

Even if there was a genuine space for Marsh in the side, it would be far from ideal to give a young player his first taste of Championship football in such a pressurised and high-stakes situation.

With that in mind, a loan move would surely be ideal for Marsh right now.

With just 18 months left remaining on his contact with United, he needs to get out and start playing regular first-team football in order to ensure that his development isn’t stunted. Hence, a drop into League One could be perfect for the foreseeable future.

Given United’s current position, it is entirely possible they could be a Premier League side again next season, which would make it even harder for youngsters like Marsh to break into the first-team squad.