The Blades have been dealt a blow by Brentford, with the Bees reportedly increasing their valuation of prized striker, Ollie Watkins.
The 23-year-old has been the star man for Thomas Frank’s team this season. After being played through the middle up front, Watkins has excelled. Indeed, he has already got 13 Championship goals to his name this term.
And that form has forced Brentford to change tact over their star man. According to reports from Sky Sports, the Bees are now hoping to fetch a whopping £25m for their star striker.
That fee would mean the Blades having to eclipsed the £20m they paid for Oli McBurnie in the summer.
Manager Chris Wilder has already said he wants to bring new faces in. The club has been linked with Everton defender, Mason Holgate, in recent days.
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But, if Watkins was a target, the new valuation could well force the Blades boss to change his approach when January does arrive.
Should Sheffield United bow to Brentford’s wishes when it comes to Ollie Watkins?
This is the burning question for the club. Chris Wilder will have been given a budget to work with during January and it’s hard to imagine that signing one player for £25m is doable.
However, sometimes you need to invest and take a risk while you’re doing well. The Blades do have ample attacking options, but it’s well known within the game that strikers make the difference.
With Callum Robinson struggling for goals, Billy Sharp out of the team, and David McGoldrick dropping into a deeper role, Wilder might well see value in another forward.
Lys Mousset is the top goalscorer with five goals, while the aforementioned Oli McBurnie has two.
Having different options available is always a good thing for a manager when it comes to strikers. Whether the Blades will part with such cash, is another matter.
But, if the Blades so sign Ollie Watkins and pay Brentford the money, they’ll once again be getting a fine player on their hands.