Sheffield United could lose defender Auston Trusty after reports emerged that Celtic are interested in a move for the American.
Playing 34 times last season, Trusty has only featured once this season in The Blades’ EFL Cup win over Wrexham, scoring United’s opener to level the scores. Chris Wilder has instead opted to use newcomer Harrison Burrows, who joined from Peterborough United, in the league.
According to Sky Sports, The Bhoys are interested in a move for the 26-year-old, providing extra depth for the long-serving Greg Taylor at Paradise. Trusty only arrived at Bramall Lane last summer from Arsenal, for what was described as a ‘significant undisclosed fee’.
Born in Pennsylvania, the versatile defender has also gone on to represent his nation twice at senior level last year. He however did not make the squad which played in the Copa America this summer.
The Yorkshire club have targetted defenders this window, with Leicester City’s Harry Souttar and Alfie Gilchrist coming through the doors alongside Burrows. Rumours of a departure have swirled over recent days with Anel Ahmedhodzic linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ipswich Town.
Meanwhile Celtic have not signed any new reinforcements at the back, instead focusing on new goalkeepers in Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo. Centre-back Bosun Lawal has left Glasgow, being picked up by Stoke City.
Trusty has further EFL experience with a stint at Birmingham City and has previously played for the Arsenal-affiliated Colorado Rapids in the MLS. A move to Celtic would see him link up with national team-mate Cameron Carter-Vickers in The Hoops’ defence.
Writer’s View
It seems that with Chris Wilder’s focus on defence this summer, Auston Trusty is no longer a regular starter at Sheffield United. Harrison Burrows was one of Peterborough’s bright spots over the past few seasons and investing that heavily into a player would see him become one of the first names on the team sheet. A sale of Ahmedhodzic could see Trusty stay in the Championship such is his versatility at centre-back, but it seems unlikely.
Celtic would pick up a good player in the process, but it is unlikely he would break through and start under Brendan Rodgers straight away. His competition in Greg Taylor is a loyal servant to the club and has already started the Scottish Premiership season well with an assist on the opening day against Kilmarnock. Former Fleetwood Town loanee Adam Montgomery would be the second choice should Taylor be injured, so a move to bolster their options there further is a wise one.
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