Sheffield United have received some mixed news in their pursuit of Hull City forward Jarrod Bowen.
The Blades are among a host of clubs said to be interested in signing Bowen. Newcastle United were thought to be leading the chase, but have now dropped out of the running.
The Northern Echo reports that Newcastle have been put off by Hull’s £20m asking price. This is good news for the Blades – but there is a second part to the Magpies backing out that is less so.
Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City are now also keen on Bowen. Spurs scouts have convinced new manager, Jose Mourinho, to take a chance on the Tigers ace.
Mourinho’s predecessor, Mauricio Pochettino, had already given the go-ahead to try and sign Bowen. And it seems the Portuguese is happy to continue that pursuit.
Do Sheffield United stand a chance of signing Jarrod Bowen?
MORE UNITED STORIES
The initial interest from Bramall Lane in Bowen was said to be for next summer. However, Hull are ready to cash in on the 22-year-old in the January transfer window.
It means the Blades will have to find significant funds, despite having already paid out close to £50m on new players last summer.
Whether new owner, Prince Abdullah, would sanction that is unclear. Especially as during a meeting between the Saudi prince, director Jan van Winckel and Chris Wilder in Dubai, it was agreed that defence and midfield was the priority for recruitment.
Aside from that, the fact that Leicester and Tottenham are now keeping tabs makes the Blades are a less attractive prospect. Both teams look in a good position to qualify for Champions League football this season.
Both have also shown their willingness to give young players from the EFL a chance. James Maddison and Dele Alli have flourished following similar moves.