Jake Eastwood could be set for a bigger role at Sheffield United next season.
That’s according to Grimsby Town manager, Paul Hurst, at least.
Eastwood joined Grimsby on loan during the January transfer window, going on to play seven times for them.
The goalkeeper couldn’t prevent the Mariners’ relegation from League Two, however.
Hurst is now preparing his squad for life in the National League and there was speculation Eastwood could return.
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But it seems that there could be a role for the 24-year-old at Bramall Lane next term.
“My understanding is he’s probably moved up the pecking order slightly at Sheffield United following their relegation,” Hurst told the BBC, as quoted by The Grimsby Telegraph.
Will Jake Eastwood play for Sheffield United?
Eastwood is a product of the Blades youth system, but has only ever played three times for their first team.
The ‘keeper has plenty of experience elsewhere, though, having also had loan spells at Kilmarnock, Scunthorpe United and Chesterfield.
United are preparing for the Championship in 2021/22 following their relegation from the Premier League.
Slavisa Jokanovic will be the man tasked with getting them promoted back to the top flight having been given a three-year contract as manager.
Clearly Hurst believes that Jokanovic thinks Eastwood has a part to play in that.
Yorkshire Live speculates this casts the future of Aaron Ramsdale with the Blades into further doubt.
After a shaky start, Ramsdale has enjoyed an impressive first campaign back in South Yorkshire and was named the club’s player of the year.
The 22-year-old – who has also been named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2021 – has been linked with Burnley and West Ham United.
However, it’s said Ramsdale has “no intention” of leaving.
Instead, Eastwood is likely to play a supporting role to the England Under-21 international.
Simon Moore is set to leave the club this summer when his contract expires. As well as Ramsdale, Eastwood will also be competing with Wes Foderingham for a place between the posts.
