Sheffield United owner and chairman Prince Abdullah has confirmed that his club received and rejected an offer for Daniel Jebbison from Everton this summer.
The ECHO revealed back in August that the Blues were interested in signing the forward and that Rafa Benitez had been studying tapes of him and believed he could improve him.
The 18-year-old scored against the Blues on his full debut for United at Goodison Park last season and is contracted with the Bramall Lane club until 2023.
And speaking on the bid, Abdullah claimed that Jebbison is the future of his club and that is why the offer was rejected.
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“We were in desperate need to sell some players to cover the deficit [of relegation last season], but we held on to our best players,” he told the Sheffield United Way podcast.
“We got an offer from Everton for Jebbison but refused to sell him because we think he will be the future of the club.”
While it was confirmed on transfer deadline day that the England youth international would spend the rest of the season on loan at League One Burton Albion.
The ECHO understands that the Blades were always intent on loaning Jebbison out this season and it is not known whether the Blues will return for Jebbison in the future.
Rafa Benitez bolstered his attacking options on deadline day by securing the services of Salomon Rondon.
Rondon joined the Blues on a free transfer from Chinese Super League side Dalian Pro to reunite with Benitez for the third time in his career.
The 31-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the option of a third year and is expected to provide cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
