Sheffield United are keen to add to their defensive options but their new transfer methods have left them needing a squad reshuffle, according to the Sheffield Star.
The Blades suffered a disastrous 4-1 home defeat on the opening day to Bristol City.
United Players Set For Exit
Anel Ahmedhodzic was sold to the Dutch side Feyenoord last week and is fighting for a place in the Champions League with his new team. Two more defenders are reportedly close to the exit door at Bramall Lane.
Jack Robinson is said to be a target for the newly promoted Wrexham despite featuring on Saturday and in 37 second-tier matches last season. Robinson joined the Blades from Nottingham Forest during the 2019-20 Premier League campaign.
Welsh international Rhys Norrington-Davies is the second player rumoured to be attracting interest from elsewhere. The defender has appeared sporadically for his club since breaking into the first team after loans with the likes of Stoke City and Luton Town.
Both of these players are suited to the left side of defence and their rumoured departures, coupled with the frailties exposed by Bristol City have led to Ruben Selles’ team looking at reinforcements.
One player the club is thought to have considered is former Everton defender Ben Godfrey but has been put off by the wage demands from his current club Atalanta to cover the loan.
Winger Out, Defender In
The Blades have turned their attention to Malmö defender Nils Zätterström but that has presented the club with a problem.
Under Brexit regulations, a player must have acquired a certain number of points to achieve a work permit and there is doubt surrounding Zätterström’s eligibility.
The ‘back-up’ option of the exception scheme has been filled by the signings of wildcards Christian Nwachukwu, Jefferson Caceres, Ehije Ukaki and Mihail Polendakov who all signed during last season.
It is believed that the Sheffield United hierarchy has held discussions about a possible move in the transfer market that will create a spot for Zätterström.
James Bord, the owner of Scottish side Dunfermline, is heavily involved in United’s recruitment and his club north of the border could hold the solution.
Peruvian winger Jefferson Caceres is believed to be the man set for a move to East End Park. He wasn’t involved in the Bristol City and his departure will allow the Blades to move for their defensive target.
Writer’s View
Filling the allocated slots for players following Brexit is something of a Football Manager mistake to make and raises further questions about the new data-driven approach adopted by the Blades.
