Sheffield United: Fresh twist to Iliman Ndiaye saga as Everton 'make Frank Lampard decision'

National newspaper reports over the weekend linked the Toffees with a move for Ndiaye, with figures of £15m and £22m mentioned – neither of which reflect the World Cup star’s true value, especially with United in such a good position in the race for promotion.

Everton, by comparison, are in a relegation battle once again, after narrowly beating the drop last season, and could pass the Blades on the way down to the Championship in the summer if things go to plan in South Yorkshire.

Blades loan star makes Man City comparison as promotion dream edges closer

Everton are second bottom of the Premier League and a run of nine defeats in 12 league games persuaded owner Farhad Moshiri to fire his sixth manager in just under seven years since taking over, according to the PA news agency this afternoon.

Only 10 days ago Moshiri offered public backing for his manager but hugely-damaging defeats to fellow strugglers Southampton and West Ham have forced a change.

The former Derby and Chelsea boss won just nine and lost 21 of his 38 Premier League matches since taking over and departs eight days before the first anniversary of his appointment.

Data experts revise Blades' promotion chances as they predict final table

If the Toffees were indeed readying a bid for Lampard, it may now be on the back-burner while a new manager is appointed – while United's stance remains unchanged, with Paul Heckingbottom urging the Blades to resist any offers for their star men this January after establishing such a good position in the race for the Premier League.