Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has refuted claims that Sheffield United have pulled out of the running for defender Harrison Burrows.
The Blades reportedly agreed a £2 million fee for the 22-year-old last month, with it believed that the player had even completed a medical. However, the deal stalled amid the ongoing ownership battle at Bramall Lane, allowing more clubs to enter the race.
This has brought the likes of Preston North End and Birmingham City to the table, whilst League One champions Portsmouth have also been linked.
News emerged this morning that Sheffield United had left the chase, despite the deal seemingly being all-but-announced. It was claimed by the Peterborough Telegraph that the Yorkshire outfit had pulled out of the deal due to the previously agreed fee, but this has now been denied.
The same publication state the chairman had penned an email denying the reports, saying:
“No club this summer, that we have agreed a deal with, has pulled out of any deal for any player.”
Burrows was one of the standout performers for Posh last season. He achieved a staggering 21 goal contributions in 45 league games from full-back, whilst he also hit a brace in the 2-1 EFL Trophy final win over Wycombe Wanderers in April.
This has seen him emerge as a transfer target for a host of clubs as his time at the Weston Homes Stadium appears to be coming to an end. Having emerged through the club’s academy, he has since gone on to feature 185 times, scoring 20 and assisting 40 goals.
Day 6 of posting a banger every day until the EFL returns.
It would be rude not to revisit this cracker from Harrison Burrows in the EFL Trophy final. Did he mean it? 👀#pufc
— The Real EFL (@RealEFLSocial) July 5, 2024
Sheffield United will embark on their Championship campaign having suffered relegation from the Premier League last season. They have so far only managed to bring in free transfers as their off-field dramas continue. Chris Wilder’s team will also begin the season at the foot of the table after receiving a two-point deduction after defaulting on payments to other clubs.
Writer’s View
This is a bizarre situation which is dragging on for all parties involved. Sheffield United have been keen to bring the full-back to Bramall Lane as they look to make their stay in the Championship a brief one, but have been hampered by takeover talks. Burrows is also seemingly willing to make the switch to Yorkshire after completing a medical, but he could well end up elsewhere.
Although reports that the Blades have pulled out of the running seem to be wide of the mark, there are still plenty of other potential suitors keeping an eye on developments. Birmingham are one to watch, but it would be a bitter blow for Peterborough to see him move to a club in the same division and one that will be a direct rival for promotion. There are plenty of twists and turns remaining in this tale.