Sheffield United can seal their return to the Premier League by beating West Brom this week in what could be a memorable night at Bramall Lane.
The Blades are ready to welcome the Baggies to S2, fresh off the back of a spirited performance against Manchester City at Wembley.
Paul Heckingbottom has made no secret of his desire to win promotion. That was the goal at the start of the season and come Wednesday night, United might just have got over the line.
Of course, with Premier League football looking likely, eyes will be on United might need to sign. And based on recent reports, Liverpool might have just opened the door for United to solve on problem position.
Liverpool open Kelleher door
One position most United fans would agree needs adding to is the goalkeeping department. Wes Foderingham is likely to stick around and might well deserve his shot in the top flight. But there is an argument to say a new number one could be required, especially if a quality one is available.
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Liverpool, of course, have Ireland’s number one, Caoimhin Kelleher on the books. According to reports last week, the Reds will allow Kelleher to leave on loan next season. And the 23-year-old could be the perfect loan signing for Sheffield United.
Kelleher has waited patiently at Liverpool but is not going to be dislodging Alisson Becker any time soon. At 23, he’s at the stage where he needs games, especially if he is to maintain his international record.
For United, the use of the loan market will be important. Premier League rules dictate a maximum of four loans a season, and under circumstances, can United take two loans from the same club. As we know, that will stifle attempts to bring Tommy Doyle and James McAtee back on temporary deals.
Open for debate
There will be a healthy cluster of Sheffield United fans who feel Wes Foderingham more than deserves his shot. And that argument does hold weight. After all, Foderingham has been key this season and shown himself to be more than capable.
The issue comes really in that Adam Davies – despite doing ok of late – will not be up to scratch at Premier League level if something happens to Foderingham.
The other side of the coin is that having a top, top ‘keeper is worth big points. The last time United went up, Dean Henderson was outstanding and probably helped the Blades to 10-12 points alone. When he went back to Old Trafford, it left a gaping hole in the team, despite the signing of Aaron Ramsdale.
In Kelleher, United would be getting an international goalkeeper who is highly-rated by Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.
“I think we never hold it back somehow and said Caoimh could not play – no, no, no, he is exceptional, he is absolutely exceptional. He does what they do with him and the goalie they developed is a modern goalie: calm as you like, can play football and on top of that can catch balls and kick the ball out in a really good manner and that’s really good,” Klopp has said.
Signing Kelleher on loan would be a smart move for United. If they can use one of the other loans to get McAtee back and sign Doyle permanently, then that would be the ideal start to the summer window.
