All eyes are on Sheffield United this summer with an American takeover brewing, and in the midst of all of this the club are preparing to undergo one of the biggest squad rebuilds in its recent history.
Just days ago the Blades finally announced their retained and released list to the public. But, as expected, the announcement did not tell us anything precisely new. United are in talks with Oli McBurnie, Adam Davies, John Egan and Ben Osborn over a new deal.
Meanwhile Daniel Jebbison still has an offer on the table, which the club have to make due to compensation reasons. Even if the player rejects the offer the Blades will be entitled to some form of compensation because of the player’s age.
Additionally, it was confirmed the club exercised their 12 month options on Jayden Bogle and Rhys Norrington-Davies.
The Blades waved goodbye to: Jordan Amissah, Chris Basham, George Baldock, Wes Foderingham, Max Lowe, Ollie Norwood, as well as the loanees: Mason Holgate, Yasser Larouci, James McAtee and Ben Brereton-Diaz.
Sheffield United make pitch to Steve Cooper
In a shock report, the Daily Mail has revealed that Sheffield United, along with Burnley, have made a pitch to former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.
The 44-year-old was dismissed as manager by the Reds back in December with Nuno Espirito Santo taking over. And despite being sacked, Cooper is still rated very highly in English football. Cooper has averaged 1.68 points per game throughout his managerial career.
Cooper has attracted interest from both Burnley and Sheffield United following their relegation to the Championship, with both clubs keen to bolster their chances of a swift return to the Premier League. Despite their interest, Brighton remain the front-runner to secure the services of the talented Welshman.
Naturally most would expect the Clarets to be interested in acquiring his services after Vincent Kompany was poached by German giants Bayern Munich this week. While, the Blades have a boyhood supporter at the helm and one that is deemed, by many, the right man for the job this summer.
My view
I can’t say I’m shocked about this information, and, effectively, this does cement that these recent takeover talks are legitimate. I cannot imagine Prince Abdullah parting ways with Chris Wilder this summer – I can certainly see a scenario where an American consortium would prefer someone younger but proven like Steve Cooper, however.
Despite these claims, they will likely lead to nothing anyway as Brighton & Hove Albion intensify their approach for the sought-after 44-year-old Welsh coach. But, what this does suggest to me at least is this consortium will be in power at Sheffield United quicker than supporters first imagined.
