View: Everton could test waters with Sheffield Utd gem as contract poses cut-price deal

Everton were interested in signing Sheffield United’s Femi Seriki in the January transfer window, but a move for the right-back this summer may have always been the plan.

David Moyes was pushing for the Toffees to sign a new right-sided defender in the winter window, but all he was given was Tyrique George on loan from Chelsea.

Seriki was named as someone who the Blues looked at, but it soon became apparent that Sheffield United did not want to sell.

However, the Blades understand that they may be forced into a sale with the defender’s deal at Bramall Lane expiring in 2027.

Seriki could want a move to the Premier League with his side destined to stay in the Championship this season, and that may be music to Moyes.

Sheffield United have less reason to demand hefty Femi Seriki fee now

It had been suggested that Sheffield United would sell Seriki to Everton if the Toffees lodged a hefty fee for the Englishman

However, the Blades knew in January that they could soon be forced into a sale with his contract expiring soon, as he will have less than 12 months left on his deal this summer.

Seriki has been a mainstay under Chris Wilder, and has been going from strength to strength this season in the Championship.

The 23-year-old could be available for what would be a small fee to the Toffees this summer, who were actively monitoring his performances not long ago.

As highlighted in the graphic above, Seriki’s Transfermarkt value is £3.9million, which is a rough estimate of what he could cost.

Either way, whatever Sheffield United valued him in the winter, it will surely be less this summer, with another six months cut off from his deal.

Everton’s priority has to be new right-back; here’s why

The Friedkin Group and recruitment staff for the Blues clearly didn’t think any of the available options should have been pursued in the summer.

Target Emil Holm moved on to Juventus in the window, as Everton also missed out on other notable potential signings.

Moyes has had to play Jake O’Brien in right-back for the majority of the season, and an upgrade is needed on the Irishman, who is naturally a central defender.

Add to the fact that Nathan Patterson’s Merseyside journey looks to be heading for a sad end this summer, the need for replacements is evident.

Everton had a long list of targets in the winter window, but Seriki seems like a player who would be sensible to make a move for in a couple of months.

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