Seamus Coleman has said he’s prioritising time with his family after Everton chapter ends

Sheffield United summer transfer target Seamus Coleman has admitted that he may retire after turning down a move to Bramall Lane.

The experienced full-back made 435 appearances for Everton between 2009 and 2026, playing under nine permanent managers.

Coleman left the Toffees at the end of last season, upon the expiry of his contract, and is now considering hanging up his boots.

He visited the club’s facilities and met with Blades boss Chris Wilder to discuss a potential move.

The 38-year-old man ultimately walked away from discussions after deciding it was ‘too soon’ after his Everton departure, and chose to prioritise time with his family while undergoing punditry work.

Speaking on The Overlap, he said: “I had hopes and ambitions of maybe possibly staying playing on. The longer I’ve been off and the more I’ve been around the family, we’ve been back home for Halloween break with the kids, the more I’m content with what I’m doing at the minute.”

He added: “I don’t want to completely draw a line in the sand, as I said, I’ve been keeping fit. But it’s edging towards that way – and happily as well. Regarding what’s next, I’ve been enjoying family time. I’m doing this [punditry] now and seeing if I enjoy it and see how it goes.”

After talks had broken down, the Blades shifted their focus to fellow Irishman Matt Doherty, who has only made five appearances since joining after suffering from a recurring knee issue.

Both right-backs in Femi Seriki and Doherty have been sidelined for the majority of the season, meaning United have been forced to rely on Hamza Choudhury to hold down the position.

Despite Wilder having two natural right backs at his disposal, plus Choudhury, the former has been largely unavailable so far this season, so the experienced defender would have bolstered Wilder’s options and allowed some rotation.

After Choudhury was suspended for his controversial sending-off against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, Wilder had to play Japhet Tanganga at right-back against Bristol City.

Seriki made his return to the side on Saturday against Derby County, playing 33 minutes and is predicted to start against Wrexham on Friday night.