(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old showed signs of real promise during his short-term spell at Bramall Lane last season, and bagged two Championship goals in the Blades' stellar 2018/9 campaign - including the winning goal in a Man of the Match performance against West Bromwich Albion.

The Sun have claimed that the Toffees are eager for Dowell to continue his development away from the club next season, as the glut experienced midfield options at the club would make it tricky for the youngster to earn a regular starting spot.

It is unclear whether the Blades are looking to bring to the club for the upcoming season, but their limited number of midfielders could see United boss Chris Wilder make a fresh move for the England U21 international.

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However, the report suggests that Wigan Athletic and Huddersfield Town are the front-runners to bring in the dynamic midfielder, as they are more likely to afford the player a starring role in the second tier than the Blades are in the Premier League.