Manager: I would be delighted to sign this Everton first teamer
By Derek Smithson
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has revealed that he would love to sign Everton defender Phil Jagielka, but admitted that he has not made any contact for him.
The 34-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at Goodison Park since the arrival of manager Ronald Koeman and has been linked with a move back to Bramall Lane.
The centre-back began his senior career with Sheffield United after developing through their academy as a youngster.
He then secured a move to Merseyside in 2007 and has racked up 349 appearances for the Toffees.
Sheffield United are preparing for a return to the Championship next season and Wilder has said he would welcome Jagielka back, but can’t see it happening.
“I’ve not spoken to Phil,” Wilder said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo. “He’s gone from here to have a wonderful career and if he wants to come back and play here for a couple of years we’d be delighted.
“But I’m sure he’ll think he’s still got life at the top. He’s a Premier League player and captained his country.”
Jagielka is an experienced top-flight player and also has 40 international caps for England under his belt.
The no-nonsense defender is now coming to the latter stages of his career and faces tough competition for his starting position at Everton.
Koeman has the likes of Ashley Williams, Mason Holgate, Ramiro Funes Mori and Jagielka to choose from in the centre-back positions.
In other Everton transfer news, they have been installed clear favourites to sign a Premier League striker.
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