Sheffield United are targeting Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford as they look to bolster their squad before the transfer deadline.
The Blades have revived their interest in the 20-year-old, though sources close to Cardiff City have exclusively told The Real EFL he is not for sale following his breakthrough season.
Blades weigh up move
Ruben Selles’ side have endured a difficult start to life back in the Championship, losing their first three league fixtures and exiting the Carabao Cup. With pressure mounting, the club are seeking reinforcements before the window shuts on 1 September.
Ashford, who has been with Cardiff throughout his career, fits the bill as a young attacking option capable of providing depth and energy. He signed a new contract with the Bluebirds in January, tying him to the club until 2027, but that has not deterred interest from Bramall Lane.
Cardiff keen to keep their prospect
It is clear Cardiff’s stance remains firm, with the Welsh side unwilling to cash in on one of their brightest academy graduates. Ashford, who featured 31 times in the Championship last season, scored three goals as the Bluebirds were relegated to League One.
He has already added another two strikes in seven appearances this campaign, and is known to be enjoying life under manager Brian Barry-Murphy, who has turned the club around in such a short space of time. Our source confirmed that the Bluebirds are not looking to sell, and Cardiff fans should not be worried about Deadline Day.
Speaking earlier in the year after extending his contract, Ashford reflected on his progress.
“This season I’ve just been playing and enjoying my football, so the success this year for me has been going out there and playing with a smile on my face. To make that step into the First Team is the goal, and I’ve really enjoyed a new and different challenge.”
His development is seen as central to Cardiff’s bid to bounce back from relegation, and losing him now would represent a major setback for Brian Barry-Murphy’s squad building.
Writer’s View
This interest underlines the challenges facing both clubs. Cardiff, rejuvenated under Barry-Murphy, must resist overtures to keep faith in a player central to their long-term rebuild. The new man has a focus on youth, and has kept faith with players that took them down last season – that’s reuslted in cohesion at the beginning of this campaign.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, are under pressure to deliver quick fixes to a faltering start, and turning to a 20-year-old still learning his trade would represent both a gamble and an investment in potential.
