Just a few days into the transfer window and it looks like Sheffield United have already missed out on one reported target, with Fleetwood Town defender James Hill set to join Bournemouth.
United had been hoping to beat a host of clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham, and Barcelona to the signing of Hill. As we reported this week, the Blades hoped that ties to former defender Matt Hill could help them do a deal. However, it appears like the Fleetwood man is now off to Bournemouth instead.
That’s according to Mike McGrath of the Telegraph. Taking to Twitter to add to his usual weekly Transfer Notebook, he confirmed that Fleetwood are indeed in talks to sell James Hill to Bournemouth.
Hill, 19, has been tipped for a bright future in the game after impressing with the Cod Army. A whole host of top Premier League and European clubs have watched the young defender recently.
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But it seems that he is set for Scott Parker’s Bournemouth. The Cherries are challenging for the Championship title and Hill, naturally, will see it as a big chance to play some football and be part of a Premier League team next season.
James Hill To Bournemouth Means United Move Swiftly On
This window was never going to be a massively busy one in terms of incomings anyway for Sheffield United. The squad is already inflated, and Paul Heckingbottom is said to want just one or two in to strengthen the depth.
However, you can’t help feel a tinge of annoyance at missing out on James Hill. Despite the Premier League interest, he seemed very much a player within our reach. He also fit the profile we look for. Young, talented, and with a high sell-on value if he does continue to shine.
Missing out to Championship rivals will also rub salt into the wound a tad. Bournemouth seem to be the go-to club for players in this league, and Hill obviously feels the same.
For the Blades, it’s important to just move on quickly now. We can’t spend the whole window messing around and whoever Heckingbottom does want, needs to be captured early.