According to Sam Carroll of the Liverpool Echo, Kieran Philipps has joined Sheffield United on trial and is expected to leave Everton on a ‘permanent deal’ in January. The 19-year-old was promoted from the u18s last summer after scoring 12 goals in 11 games and has represented the u23s this season.
Phillips has made one appearance for Everton’s reserves, coming off the bench in their 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers (August 18), and has been an unused substitute on three occasions. The young centre-forward doesn’t have a future on Merseyside and will hope to impress his new club.
Moise Kean, Dominic Calvert-Lewin & Cenk Tosun are regulars in the first-team while Ellis Simms & Manasse Mampala are regulars in the reserves, so Phillips isn’t likely to get a look-in. Despite signing a one year deal last summer, he’s been unable to edge his way into contention with the u23s.
Are Everton right to let Kieran Phillips leave?
Yes
No
Whether he can impress United and be awarded a playing contract remains to be seen, however. Liverpool Echo say Phillips joined the Blades’ squad last week and scored for their u23s against Bolton, but it’s unknown if he’ll feature in their next outing – vs Sheffield Wednesday (November 26).