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Sheffield United’s dream transfer window as two former players return and Chelsea talent signs
Sheffield United are yet to strengthen their squad for the coming campaign but have already been linked with a number of players. Paul Heckingbottom and head of recruitment Paul Mitchell have started the ball rolling by chucking United’s name into the ring for a number of targets as they wait to hear on progress.
As it stands, around £20m has been put aside for transfer fees, which Heckingbottom will be hoping can increase if owner Prince Abdullah can secure much-needed investment or a takeover. That kitty for permanent signings is likely to go on three of four clever deals, in the mould of Anel Ahmedhodzic, with a big focus on loans.
As it stands, around seven or eight players are needed, which is a big ask given the current budget but that pressure will be eased slightly if contract offers for Jack Robinson, Ben Osborn and John Fleck come back with their signatures on.
So what would a dream Sheffield United transfer window look like?
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Conor Coady
The former loanee could be available in the summer. He is set for talks with Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui over his future.
A £4.5m transfer option was inserted into his loan deal at Everton last season and it’s now likely to be even less than that should he be made available for transfer. Ideal player for Heckingbottom, ultimate professional, has already featured for the club during a loan in 2013-14 and can not only play in the middle of a back three but is also an option in midfield.
If Heckingbottom is to be clever with his budget he will need players who can play more than one role. However, Coady would need to take a pay cut to come on a permanent.
Lewis O’Brien
Midfielder who has been on United’s radar before and rated by recruitment chief Mitchell. Signed for Nottingham Forest from Huddersfield last summer but was bombed out in January after being omitted from Steve Cooper’s 25-man squad.
Has made just six league starts and a deal to join Blackburn on loan in January fell down at the last minute. Currently on loan in the MLS at DC United, who are believed to be keen on extending his stay.
United could well get him for a cut-price fee and at 24, he could be a real bargain.
Joel Piroe
If United can get a couple of deals done on the cheap, it will allow for at least one decent financial transaction. A forward will be needed and the Dutch striker is expected to leave Swansea this summer.
Has just one year left on his deal and could be a player who United could sign well below his true market value. Fits the transfer directive at 23 and can play as a striker, number 10 or wide of a forward three, giving Heckingbottom options in attack.
Premier League clubs are said to be interested. Having already signed a Swansea striker the last time they went up, could United be one of those?
Carney Chukwuemeka
United can make only two domestic loans and one of those being Chukwuemeka would be an excellent choice. Highly rated Chelsea midfielder who was signed last year from Aston Villa for £18m.
Could be allowed out on loan having started just two Premier League matches and is in need of experience. United face competition for his signature, with AC Milan strongly linked, but he would be a clever signing if they could persuade Stamford Bridge chiefs his next 12 months are best served at Bramall Lane.
Tommy Doyle
A loan looks like the best option for Doyle and, alongside Chukwuemeka, would complete the loan picture domestically. A permanent move could well be beyond United, with a transfer fee likely to take up Heckingbottom’s budget and Doyle would need to take a significant pay cut.
Heckingbottom wants him to return again and Doyle has already revealed his hope is to try and secure a year’s Premier League experience before deciding on his future. This looks like a strong possibility.
Faitout Maouassa
Heckingbottom may also be in the market for a left-wing-back. Enda Stevens has been released and Rhys Norrington-Davies has suffered a significant hamstring injury.
With Norrington-Davies also an option for the left-side central defensive role, another wing-back to add quality down that flank makes sense. Maouassa spent last season on loan at Montpellier in France from Club Brugge.
The Belgian side could be open to another deal and is not expected to cost the earth. This could be another clever signing, either on loan or permanent if the fee is reasonable.
Jacob Greaves
An alternative option to Piroe depending on where focus on the squad lies. If Robinson opts to leave and does not agree to a new deal, then the left-side defensive position will become a priority.
If that does happen, United could look to tempt Jacob Greaves away from Hull. The 22-year-old left-sided central defender is rated as one of the best outside the Premier League and Watford were interested last summer but reports claimed they were quoted £5m-£7m.
That price may have increased slightly now given he has a year’s more experience and has three years to run on his contract, but this would be a smart signing, indeed.
