Ched Evans almost moved to Bolton Wanderers from Sheffield United on deadline day.
Blades manager Chris Wilder has revealed that both Sunderland and Bolton were interested in Evans.
“There was interest from Sunderland,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
“Ched expressed an interest in going there and he spoke to them. Ched also spoke to Bolton too.”
Evans was one of a number of strikers the Black Cats were looking at. In the end they signed Will Grigg from Wigan Athletic instead.
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When a switch to the Stadium of Light didn’t materialise, the Trotters stepped in. They have been searching for a new forward since Christian Doidge was recalled by Forest Green Rovers.
They were looking for a loan deal for Evans, but for that to happen Fleetwood Town had to agree to end his spell there early.
Sunderland were aiming to sign the 30-year-old permanently and therefore United could recall him. However, to embark on another loan Fleetwood had to give permission.
That was not forthcoming and as a result, Evans will remain with the League One side until the end of the season.
What next for Evans?
(Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
The fact that Wilder was willing to entertain offers for the attacker suggests his time at Bramall Lane could be over.
“Ched is our player,” Wilder continued.
“He’ll play, hopefully, 18 or 20 more games for Fleetwood and it’s better that he’s playing rather than not. We’re happy with the numbers here.”
Evans has scored 12 goals in 26 games for the Fishermen so far in 2018/19. It’s therefore unsurprising that they were reluctant to let him leave.
However, since returning to the Blades in the summer of 2017, Evans has played just 13 times under Wilder. Clearly the 51-year-old doesn’t believe the attacker is cut out for Championship football.
If Evans weren’t sold at the end of this campaign it would be very surprising.
