As the summer transfer window comes to an end, Sheffield United are looking to make some final moves in the market, with a clear focus on bolstering their squad depth for a promotion push.
The Blades are currently leading the race to sign Leicester City striker Tom Cannon on loan, despite interest from Stoke City and Middlesbrough, according to Alan Nixon. Meanwhile, Sheffield United are also embroiled in a transfer tussle with Burnley over Celtic winger Mikey Johnston and Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento, as reported by Nixon. In a twist, Celtic could be eyeing one of United’s own in a potential swap deal, Auston Trusty.
Sheffield United have emerged as frontrunners in the race to secure the services of Leicester City striker Tom Cannon. The 21-year-old forward spent last season mainly as an unused substitute – he scored two goals and added an assist in 13 Championship appearances. Nevertheless, he is seen as a crucial addition to United’s attacking options.
Cannon’s youth and potential make him a highly sought-after player, with Stoke City and Middlesbrough also expressing interest. However, the Blades are in pole position to land the striker, and the move is reportedly attractive to Cannon as well.
In addition to their pursuit of Cannon, United are also locked in a fierce battle with Burnley for Celtic winger Mikey Johnston. The 24-year-old has found game time limited in Glasgow and is open to a move that could reignite his career. Johnston spent the second half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion where he netted seven goals and served up an assist in 18 second tier appearances.
The Blades’ interest in Johnston is bolstered by recent player sales and the imminent takeover at the club, which has provided the financial flexibility to take calculated risks in the transfer market. Hence also the recent speculation regarding a potential permanent deal for Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento.
Will Sheffield United entertain Auston Trusty and Mike Johnston swap deal?
In the midst of the links to Johnston, Celtic are reportedly interested in Sheffield United centre-back Auston Trusty, per the Scottish Sun. The American defender signed for the Blades last summer for an undisclosed from Arsenal, he played 32 times for a defence that conceded over 100 goals in the league. To sweeten a potential deal, Celtic might use Mikey Johnston as a makeweight in a swap, a scenario that could see both clubs benefit from a player exchange.
With Anel Ahmedhodzic seemingly on the verge of an exit from Bramall Lane, to lose another centre-back with just under two weeks to go for United would be quite worrying. If that scenario plays out then they would only have two senior natural centre-backs at the club, with Rhys Norrington-Davies, a natural left-back, providing back up to the left sided centre-back, and Alfie Gilchrist, a player that is more suited to a right sided centre-back in a back three.
With the likes of Scott McKenna and Joe Worrall now off the market, the Blades may be struggling to bring in two extra central defenders to provide cover.
None of these improve the team, is cannon better than Louie Marsh or On’e, NO! Trusty is the future, should be playing now in place of Robbo.