Chinese midfielder Li Tie, released by Everton after a series of injuries kept him out of the English Premier League club's first team for the past two years, is considering joining newly promoted Sheffield United.
'I have been in discussions with three Premiership teams, including Sheffield,' Li (pictured) said. 'I may well go there. They are interested and we are sorting out details at the moment. But nothing has been finalised yet. I think there will be a result by the end of June or early July,' he said, adding he was eager to stay in the top British league.
United, nicknamed the Blades, already have close links with China where they own Second Division side Chengdu Blades. And the Yorkshire club had veteran China international Hao Haidong on their books last season. They were promoted outright as runners up to Reading in England's Championship this campaign.
Li, 28, said he was not surprised to have been released by Everton .
'I knew my time with Everton was coming to an end,' Li said. 'We talked about it three months ago and [manager David] Moyes told me that he wouldn't renew my contract. But he said he would help me find new opportunities. My mission as an Everton player is over. Players are often released by clubs in the Premiership. It is nothing shameful.'
Li's national teammate Sun Jihai of Manchester City said he was disappointed Everton had let his friend go.
'The injuries he picked up have affected his performance to some extent, but not too much,' Sun said. 'He's almost back to his best. Everton did not give him enough opportunity to show himself.'
