Millwall striker Lee Gregory has rejected Sheffield United to join Stoke City, according to the Daily Mail (16 May, page 56).

Gregory also turned down a move to Derby County. The 30-year-old will sign for Stoke on a free transfer having announced he is leaving the Den when his current contract expires.

Gregory has reportedly chosen the Potters over the chance to play in the Premier League with the Blades following their promotion.

Derby could also be playing in the top flight of English football next season if they beat Aston Villa in the playoff final.

Would Gregory be a good signing?

United certainly need to sign forwards as they prepare for life in the top tier. Currently, captain Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick are the only strikers on the books.

This is after the decision to release Caolan Lavery and Conor Washington. Meanwhile, loanees Scott Hogan and Gary Madine will return to the parent clubs Villa and Cardiff City.

However, the Daily Mail has previously reported the Blades are considering permanent deals for both Hogan and Madine.

Yet is Gregory really the sort of player they should be targeting? The Sheffield-born attacker had a solid, if unremarkable, season in front of goal in 2018/19 scoring 14 in 50 appearances.

Gregory has a scoring record in the Championship of around one in every five games. He has previously been much more prolific in League One and the National League.

This would suggest that the Premier League is maybe a step too far. Also, with Gregory turning 31 in August it is unlikely he will improve much in the future and has little sell-on value.

If United are going to make a real go of staying up, they should have higher ambitions.

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