Sheffield United admit Everton are favourites to sign Phil Jagielka should their Premier League appeal be rejected.

Wigan and Bolton also want the 24-year-old, who has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Bramall Lane if Sheffield United go down.

Chairman Terry Robinson said: "Everton are the favourites - it is Phil's preferred choice.

"If Sheffield United are reinstated, it's highly unlikely Phil will leave."

Robinson added: "If we're not reinstated, then he'll invoke the clause in his contract. If we're reinstated we wouldn't even be having this discussion."