Kieran Dowell joining Sheffield United on loan

Everton midfielder Kieran Dowell will join Sheffield United on loan for the remainder of the season from January 1.

The 21-year-old, a graduate from the Blues’ Academy, has made two appearances this season, starting both of the Toffees’ EFL Cup ties against Rotherham United and Southampton.

Dowell spent last season in the Championship on loan at Nottingham Forest, scoring 10 goals in 40 appearances, and is now set to return to the second tier with the Blades.

Chris Wilder’s side are currently fourth in the table, 10 points behind pace-setters Leeds United and seven points off Norwich City, who sit in the second automatic promotion place