Sheffield United will be hoping to move up the Championship table after returning to winning ways last weekend.

It had been a difficult period for the Blades in recent weeks, as they were knocked out of the FA Cup by third-tier opposition Mansfield Town, and the Yorkshire club also suffered back-to-back road losses as they returned to second-tier action, losing 1-0 to Charlton Athletic and Southampton.

Back at home, the Blades secured a much-needed three points against promotion contenders Ipswich Town, winning 3-1 with goals from Callum O’Hare, Andre Brooks, and Patrick Bamford.

To alleviate their relegation anxieties, the Blades will want the winter transfer window to close so they can settle their roster and understand who wants to be at the club, allowing them to achieve the best possible standings between now and May.

And, as the deadline approaches on February 2nd, it has been revealed that Premier League club Everton are planning a late bid to recruit the Blades’ teenage star Femi Seriki, who has been a standout in a dreary second-tier campaign in the Steel City.

The 22-year-old right-back has one goal and four assists in 22 appearances in red and white this season, and his prolific attacking presence from the back suggests that he has the potential to rise to the top of the game.

And it appears Everton is willing to take a gamble on him, although this would leave the Blades short in that area with little time to find a replacement.

With this in mind, FLW’s Sheffield United fan commentator has expressed his views on Seriki’s probable move to Everton and how harmful it could be for the Blades.

Sheffield United’s loss of Femi Seriki would be a “massive blow”.

Speaking to Football League World, Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy (AKA Blades Ramble) admitted that losing Femi Seriki to Everton would be a “massive blow,” but believes the club must consider the offer given that he has only 18 months left on his current contract and the Blades are nearing the end of their Premier League parachute payments.

Jimmy told FLW: “Femi Seriki is having a breakout season at Sheffield United and has been a key part of our mini-resurgence under Chris Wilder.

“I believe he’s fairly inconsistent, but when he plays well, he’s probably one of the best in the league, and he’s such a raw talent who has the potential to have a wonderful career if developed properly.

“I truly like him as a prospect, although he can be irritating at times. I believe his defending might be improved, but his speed often keeps him out of trouble.

“Losing Femi Seriki would be a significant loss for Sheffield United. However, the final 18 months of his deal may come up in conversation. We’re not in a position to refuse any offer. We lose our parachutes next season, so we’ll have to listen to it.

“We’ve also got Ki-Jana Hoever from Wolves on loan so we’ve got a capable replacement, but it would still be a big blow for United to lose Femi.”

Sheffield United faces a stick or twist option with Femi Seriki.

Femi Seriki has been such a crucial role for the Blades this season, and losing him at this point would be a tremendous setback to the club, even though his performance levels have warranted a move to the Premier League in the future.

With 18 months remaining on his present contract, Sheffield United must make a huge decision about his future, as they risk losing him for less than what is now on the table, or possibly for free if he decides to stay for another year.

The Yorkshire club has Ki-Jana Hoever as a replacement after signing him on loan from Premier League basement dwellers Wolves, but there will undoubtedly be a shortage of depth in that position if the Championship campaign continues.

It all depends on whether the club can persuade Seriki to extend his present deal; otherwise, a sale may be necessary to assist increase the coffers, especially when their financial resources dwindle following the expiration of their parachute payments next season.