Names Linked With Blades Move
Article by Sam Attrap
Since the 1st of January,
Sheffield United have been linked with moves for numerous players, but who are
the likely in’s and out’s as Nigel Clough gets to grips with his first transfer
window as Blades manager?
Out
Lyle Taylor has already moved to Partick
Thistle on loan until the end of the season. Touted as the goalscorer the
Blades have sorely missed since Ched Evans left the club, Taylor scored 2
against Coventry in a 3-2 defeat, but has largely been left out of first team
action.
Marcus Williams is expected to make his
loan move to Scunthorpe permanent, whilst Marlon King has left the club by
mutual consent.
Other possible out’s are the likes of
Febian Brandy, who’s poor disciplinary record has usurped his on-the-field
talent, however Nigel Clough may hold onto a player with such place in the hope
he forces his way into the first team. Jamie Murphy, who managed that feat and
has enjoyed his best run of form in a Sheffield United shirt, has been linked
with a move to Hibernian, but a move seems unlikely without a replacement being
bought first.
The Blades will hope that the cash of their
Saudi Prince investor will help avoid selling key young players, especially
Harry Maguire. The centre-back may depart if enough money and a premiership
club come in for him.
In
Sheffield United are expected to have first
refusal on current loanee Simon Lappin, whether or not he has done enough to
secure a permanent deal is likely to be decided within the next week.
Nigel Clough’s side are severely lacking up
front and with the departures of Taylor and King, it appears a signing is
immanent. In the previous few days the manager has confirmed an interest in
various forwards and further linked to a move for more.
Martin Waghorn, Connor Sammon and Jon Stead
appear to be the strongest possibilities. Stead, who previously enjoyed 2 years
with the Blades, whilst not prolific, may offer the link up play for the likes
of Shaun Miller and Jose Baxter that Chris Porter does not. Waghorn and Sammon
have had relatively few chances this season and the possibility of a loan move
seems more likely than a permanent deal.
Another Derby County forward, Johnny
Russell has also been linked with a move to the Lane and considering County
have secured the load signing of Patrick Bamford the likelihood of a forward
moving out is high.
Other names supposedly on Nigel Clough’s
list include Reading’s Adam le Fondre; Derby’s centre-back Kieran Freeman;
Hibernian’s Paul Heffernan; highly rated Swedish free-agent Samuel Aziz and
Yeovil’s Paddy Madden. Of course, they won’t all be signing on at Bramall Lane,
but the intent to add to his squad, is clearly high on Nigel Clough’s agenda.
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