John Fleck could line up for Sheffield United against West Ham United tomorrow just nine months after they tried to sign him.
As Sky Sports reports, the Hammers made an attempt to buy Fleck towards the end of the most recent January transfer window.
Talks were apparently held over a potential £4m deal. According to the Sun (January 29, page 52) the Blades rejected the offer. But West Ham prepared to come back with an improved bid.
It’s said Fleck would have been allowed to leave if a replacement had been found. The south Yorkshire team were prepared to let the 28-year-old test himself in the Premier League.
Of course Fleck stayed put in the end and helped the Blades to promotion. Now the Scotland international is getting ready to take on the Hammers in the top flight.
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(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
The midfielder moved to Bramall Lane from Coventry City in 2016 shortly after Chris Wilder was appointed as manager. Since then Fleck has played a key role in the rise through the divisions.
In 2018/19 – the Blades’ first season in the second tier in seven years – Fleck was named player of the year. The next term he was instrumental as they were promoted to the Premier League for the for the first time since 2006/07.
Fleck has taken every step up throughout his career in his stride. On Monday, as the Blades beat Arsenal 1-0 in their most impressive result of the season so far, the Scot was named man of the match.
No wonder West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini felt Fleck could improve his squad. Now the Chilean will get the chance to see the midfield ace up close at the London Stadium.
Wilder will be hoping Fleck can show the home side what they’re missing out on. And help the Blades to three points in the process.
