Everton have been linked with a move for the Sheffield United talent.
Everton’s interest in Sheffield United’s David Brooks should come as little surprise given Jamie Hoyland’s comments about the 19-year-old earlier this month.
The Daily Telegraph has reported that the Toffees – who raided Bramall Lane for Dominic Calvert-Lewin during last summer’s transfer window – are now considering an approach for Brooks, after the Blades reneged on their agreement to loan him to Chesterfield.
The Warrington-born attacking midfielder was named player of the recent Toulon Tournament and is someone with whom Hoyland is familiar, as a former player, coach and academy boss at Sheffield United.
Everton pair David Unsworth [left] and Jamie Hoyland at Preston
Speaking on Sheffield Live TV 12 days ago, the Everton Under-23s’ head of recruitment said of Brooks: “He’s a lad who got released off Man City when he was 16, so obviously his pedigree is good. I think he’s 19 – he still looks, probably, about 14/15. And that’s the thing about him, he’s still not developed physically [into] what he should be.
“I’ve seen Sheffield United’s Under-23s quite a lot. He’s a good player. He drifts, he can get on the ball, he’s got great balance, he goes past people and he can pick a pass.”
Should Brooks end up at Everton this summer, it is likely that another loan move could be discussed for the player, whose only first team experience to date came during a temporary spell in the National League with Halifax Town.
Hoyland – who works closely with David Unsworth, another former Sheffield United player at Everton – said at the time: “I think he’s going to Chesterfield on loan. [It’s a] great test for him that because he’s come back from the Toulon Tournament, where he’s been terrific from what I can gather.
“It’ll be interesting now going into league football, like I was saying about development, it probably will toughen him up because it’s a different pace again, playing against men, and for three points as well where it really matters
“It’ll be a great test and if he comes through that with flying colours I think Chris [Wilder] will have a great player on his hands.”
Should Everton make a move for Brooks?
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