Everton were credited with interest in the Sheffield United talent earlier this year.
Everton were credited with interest in the Sheffield United talent earlier this year.
Former England Under-20 midfielder David Brooks
It didn’t take Sheffield United long to realise the error of their ways, after loaning out young midfielder David Brooks to Chesterfield at the start of the summer.
Shortly after being named player of the 2017 Toulon Tournament, United reneged on their agreement with the League Two side and Brooks was back at Bramall Lane.
But they weren’t the only club to take note of the 20-year-old’s England displays, with Premier League Everton – notorious Hoovers of English-based young talent in recent years – quickly linked with a move (Telegraph).
Former Sheffield United defender and manager of Everton’s Under-23s, David Unsworth
Brooks went on to shine in United’s pre-season campaign, scoring against Chesterfield – of all clubs – and top flight Stoke City, as a regular first team berth loomed.
But five games into the new season, the Warrington-born player has been kept largely under wraps – playing only 52 minutes of Championship football – and perhaps on purpose.
Had Brooks – who had never appeared in the Football League before this season – been thrown straight in as those friendly displays hinted, it’s possible the interest from Everton and potentially others too would have manifested into something more concrete.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder
And while it’s equally plausible that Chris Wilder – who comes across as an expert man-manager – is simply trying to keep Brooks grounded after a whirlwind few months, now could be the perfect time to unleash him.
Should the now Wales Under-21 international excel between now and January, United will – at the rate they’re going – be in a stronger position to resist any mid-season offers that may arrive.
And if nothing else, they could almost certainly ask for more money in what has proved a notoriously difficult market for buyers.
Will the reported Everton target get his Sheffield United chance in the coming months?
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