Sheffield United fans and Paul Heckingbottom have both been frustrated by news that Cameron Archer hasn’t quite signed just yet.
The Aston Villa forward is all set to join United in a complex deal from Villa which involves buy-back clauses and different contracts being signed.
The deal is expected to go through, but right now, it’s not happened and Archer will not be with the United squad in time to face Man City on Sunday.
And clarifying the situation over on social media, journalist Alan Nixon has said that the hold up is down to the Villa end, with Archer needing to sign a contract if he returns next season.
Nixon says that like when Burnley signed Aaron Ramsey last week, Archer needs to agree terms on a deal with Villa.
Archer will be bought back by Villa automatically if United are relegated, for a fee just above what the Blades will pay. If United stay up, then that clause changes slightly and there will be an option, rather than an obligation, for Villa.
United, then, will need to bide their time with this one.
Sheffield United News View: Archer news frustrating but patience key
It’s annoying we won’t get to see Archer involved against City but in reality, it’s not going to make that much difference either.
The key is making sure he is simply signed before the deadline and ready to go against Everton, which is set to be a huge game now.
Archer will get done, no doubt. But this new complex way in which Villa are doing transfers means the Blades need to have some patience.