Sheffield United: West Ham could beat Blades to Josh Cullen signing
Report: West Ham could now gazump Sheffield United in bid for 12-cap international midfielder
Photo by LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images

Report: West Ham could now gazump Sheffield United in bid for 12-cap international midfielder

Sheffield United are thought to be keen on signing Josh Cullen from Anderlecht this summer, but could now face stiff competition from Premier League side, West Ham United.

TeamTalk reported at the start of the month that United and Fulham were both keen on Cullen. The 26-year-old has been a regular for the Belgian giants, but will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer.

However, any hopes United have of landing Cullen could be scuppered by West Ham. GiveMeSport has reported that the Hammers are now watching Cullen with the intention of adding him to their list of summer transfer targets. The midfielder could be available on the cheap, given his contract situation.

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Cullen, 26, has 12 caps for Ireland and has appeared more than 70 times for Anderlecht since leaving Charlton. He is capable either as a defensive or central midfielder, and has even been used to the right of a three at times. Of course, that fits in well with how Sheffield United play under Paul Heckingbottom.

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The Blades are expected to be in for a busy summer. If they miss out on promotion, players like Sander Berge could leave, meaning midfield slots need to be filled by the club.

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Josh Cullen ticks many boxes for Sheffield United. At 26, he’s the right age and he has sufficient experience at a good level to come straight into the side. He’s also played at a lower level than the Premier League, so knows what’s required.

However, West Ham’s interest is a worry. In football, most things come down to money and if the Hammers move for him, then there is simply no way we can compete.

Nevertheless, it’s good that the Blades are looking in this sort of market. And if anything, it shows he’s a good calibre of player with West Ham sniffing too. Cullen won’t be the first name linked with United as we head towards the summer.

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