Nathan Patterson has surfaced as a potential signing for Sheffield United this summer, but will the Blades have a clear path to the Scotsman?

Everton’s defender has been linked with a move to Bramall Lane after struggling for playing time at the Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.

The full-back made seven Premier League appearances as the Toffees ended 13th, with only three of them starting.

He has dropped down the pecking order under David Moyes, raising questions about his future with the club.

The 24-year-old joined Liverpool during the January transfer window in 2022, and he has appeared 56 times in the Premier League since then.

However, his contract is slated to expire in June 2027, so Everton will need to cash in now to prevent losing him for free in 12 months if they no longer wish to keep him.

Sheffield United suffer setback in Nathan Patterson pursuit.

According to the Liverpool Echo, a number of top-flight clubs from various levels are interested in signing Patterson.

The Blades will face heavy competition for his signature, with an exit from Everton seeming increasingly inevitable.

A return to Scotland, as well as a move abroad, are also possibilities, with several teams keeping an eye on the defender’s position.

It remains to be seen whether Sheffield United can persuade Patterson to move down to the Championship.

However, the Yorkshire outfit will be disappointed that they will not have a free run at the defender as Chris Wilder seeks to strengthen his first-team squad.

Sheffield United had an unimpressive season and will be looking to strengthen this summer in attempt to close the gap with the top teams.

Wilder’s side ended 13th in the table, 13 points below the top six, less than a year after losing the play-off final to Sunderland.

The play-offs will expand to include two more teams starting next season, thus Sheffield United will aim for a top eight finish in 2027 as they seek a return to the Premier League.

Wilder is emphasising right-back this summer in order to boost their play-off hopes, with Patterson emerging as a significant target despite the fact that Femi Seriki emerged as one of the most promising second-tier players in that position last season.

Chris Wilder will have to convince Nathan Patterson of the Sheffield United project.

With top-tier teams vying for Patterson’s services, Wilder may need to launch a charm attack to persuade him to drop down to the Championship.

While the full-back hasn’t quite reached his full potential at Everton, there’s no doubt he’d be a valuable addition to the Blades side.

Injuries have slowed his progress with the Premier League club, and Sheffield United will need to be cautious as they chase his signing.

However, signing the 24-year-old this summer would be a positive business decision and might be a significant step towards regaining competitiveness.