According to The Star, League One outfit Rotherham United are plotting a transfer swoop for Sheffield United youngster Sydie Peck.
The Millers want to add more bodies to their squad before next Friday’s transfer deadline, with Sheffield United player Peck being the player they are keen on, with a loan move in the balance.
The 19-year-old caught the eye of many for his recent performance in the Carabao Cup, with the Blades winning 4-2 over League One side Wrexham. Peck picked up an assist and also received the Man of the Match award. Since then, the teenager has also been a part of Chris Wilder’s Championship sides, coming off the bench in both matches.
Rotherham suffered relegation from the Championship last season, after managing one successful season of avoiding the drop. It was clear they needed a rebuild, with former manager Steve Evans taking the hot seat again. 14 new players have walked through the door at the New York Stadium, with many also heading the opposite way. Despite this, Evans clearly feels he needs more bodies in, with Peck reportedly next on their radar.
However, with the likes of Gustavo Hamer, Oli Arblaster and Vinicius Souza looking towards the Bramall Lane exit door, Peck and United are not rushing into a decision regarding the player’s future. The teenager may find himself in a more prestigious role under Wilder, and this may be a stumbling block for the Millers in their pursuit of the 19-year-old. It is clear, on the other hand, that Peck would receive regular League One minutes down the road in Rotherham, and if United can bolster their options in the midfield before the window shuts, a loan move will be beneficial for the Welsh youth international.
Winger Femi Seriki also spent time on loan at Rotherham last season, showing the two clubs have a relationship on the transfer front.
When asked a question about Peck in an interview with the Rotherham Advertiser, The Millers’ assistant boss Paul Raynor stated
“I wouldn’t really want to elaborate on that. He’s a very good player and I’m sure he’s on the radar of a number of clubs. If he became available, I’m sure we’d have an interest.
“There are no developments on that tonight. I’m sure Rob [Scott, director of recruitment], the gaffer and myself will be in dialogue tomorrow. We are looking to recruit. If another club get somebody in, maybe that gives them the chance to let a younger player go out. It can change minute by minute, day by day. I’m sure Rob and the gaffer will be all over it.”
Writer’s View
If the Blades feel like Peck won’t play much of a role this season, a loan move away at Rotherham would make sense for the young talent. Not only is Rotherham fairly local, it would also allow Peck to gain some vital experience and minutes under the belt in the third tier of English football. It is no secret the Millers want to be fighting for promotion again under Evans, and with the strength of their current squad, it will be a surprise if they aren’t in the mix at the top of the table come the end of the season.
On the other hand, if Wilder feels like Peck will be an important part of his squad, with the aforementioned Souza, Arblaster and Hamer looking like they will depart before the window shuts, then there is no reason why Peck shouldn’t want to stay and fight for his place in the United team. Peck impressed many with his MOTM performance in the EFL Cup, and now the 19-year-old will look to push on for more Championship game time.
If Rotherham can secure the signing of the teenager, like many of their other signings, it’ll send a message of intent to the rest of the league. The Millers haven’t got off to the start they would have necessarily wanted, losing against Exeter City on the opening day, and they will need to improve and stay consistent as the league goes on, especially with League One as strong as it is this season.
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