Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder admits Everton defender Phil Jagielka would be welcome back at the club.
The 34-year-old faces an uncertain future at Goodison Park after slipping down the pecking-order for a first-team role under Ronald Koeman, and has been linked with a move back to his former club.
Jagielka had quit the Championship club to join Everton for £4million back in July 2007, and the long-time servant has since made 349 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside club.
He appeared in each of Everton’s first 13 Premier League matches last season, but was then replaced in the side by Ramiro Funes Mori, who formed a strong partnership with Ashley Williams.
But Jagielka returned to the starting eleven in March after Funes Mori was sidelined for the remainder of the season, although he could struggle to retain his place next season.
However, as uncertainty over his future grows, Sheffield United chief Wilder has left the door open to a potential return to his former stomping ground.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “I’ve not spoken to Phil. 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.”
A move to Sheffield United as early as this summer would see Jagielka take a step down into the Championship, with last season’s League One winners ready to compete at second-tier level.
Jagielka still has one more year left on his current deal at Everton, and with the club set to compete in the Europa League next season, at is likely that Ronald Koeman will keep him on board.
However, Koeman has also made no secret his desire to add a new defender to his ranks this summer, and is looking to push ahead with a deal to sign Burnley’s Michael Keane.
The potential arrival of the 24-year-old England international could see Jagielka further starved of first-team opportunities, but his experience and leadership qualities could be of great use in the squad.