Exclusive: Sheffield United Star Femi Seriki Emerges as Everton Transfer Target

Everton view Femi Seriki, the Sheffield United defender, as a possible alternative to Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

David Moyes is in the market for a new right-back during this month’s transfer window as he looks to bolster his rearguard ahead of a potential assault on Europe.

Former Arsenal prospect Norton-Cuffy is the Scot’s preferred option but, with a number of other clubs both at home and abroad also monitoring the youngster, our sources have been told the Merseysiders’ recruitment department has compiled a long list of options should he prove elusive.

Seriki, who has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the Championship since Chris Wilder’s return to Bramall Lane, has seen his name scribbled towards the top although The Blades are unlikely to consider even big-money offers until the summer. 

The latest talent to graduate from arguably the north of England’s finest footballing talent factory, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Aaron Ramsdale are all alumni of United’s famed academy, Seriki is in no hurry to leave his native South Yorkshire. 

However, with United unlikely to regain their Premier League status until 2027 at the earliest, the opportunity to progress with a team well-established at the highest level could prove tempting; particularly given the huge uplift in wages Moyes’ employers would be able to offer.

Big Blades Summer

Norton-Cuffy, who also interests Newcastle, West Ham and Roma, is already thought to have held exploratory talks with Everton about a switch to the North-West, although a move has yet to be finalised. 

Even if it does go through, and the 22-year-old returns to England two seasons after heading to Serie A, Seriki will continue to be monitored by Moyes’ spotters as he attempts to develop a deep, competitive squad.

Wilder would be reluctant to lose a player he believes is capable of becoming a regular starter for The Blades for many campaigns to come. 

However, with United’s owners COH Sports struggling to raise fresh investment after wasting significant funds on a failed AI-led experiment, all serious bids will have to be considered as Wilder attempts to raise money for what is expected to be a major overhaul once this term draws to a close.

Seriki has just 18 months remaining on his current Sheffield United contract, and while the Blades are reportedly looking to secure him on an extension, failure to act swiftly could see Everton swoop in for a bargain deal.

Additionally, Sheffield United are still actively looking to strengthen their squad this January, having recently dispatched a scout to the AFCON with three targets in mind: Willy Boly, Habib Diarra, and Tawanda Chirewa.