Sheffield United midfielder David Brooks, who is being targeted by Everton, scored the winner in the Blades’ pre-season friendly with Stoke City.
According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Everton are keen on Sheffield United midfielder David Brooks. And while pre-season friendlies may not influence managers’ decision too much when it comes to deciding whether to target players – his latest contribution for the Blades may have perhaps provided Ronald Koeman and Toffees fans with a potential glimpse of the future.
The Mail reported last week that the 20-year-old had come onto Everton’s radar following England’s successful run in the Toulon Tournament this summer, so it would hardly be a surprise if the Toffees had scouts watching the youngster in Sheffield United’s pre-season games as they try and work out whether he is ready to make the step up.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Luckily, their latest fixture may have just helped them come to a conclusion.
Chris Wilder’s men took on Stoke City at Bramall Lane, and it appeared that the contest was heading for a 1-1 draw with Billy Sharp’s opener being cancelled out by Xherdan Shaqiri 10 minutes before the break.
However, the newly-promoted Championship side had Brooks to thank as he scored the winner with seconds of the 90 remaining as his clever near-post run saw him capitalise as the ball was crossed across the six-yard box.
While Brooks has made notable contributions already during pre-season, the fact that his latest goal came against a Premier League side – with a defence that included the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Kurt Zouma at certain stages during the game – perhaps just gives the slightest hint that he does have the potential to shine at the highest level in the future.
And given the calibre of the opposition, it would not be a surprise if Everton’s interest potentially increased further.
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