Ipswich Town manager, Paul Lambert, has insisted that his young defender, Luke Woolfenden is worth at least £10m in today’s market.
The Blades have been linked with a move for Woolfenden in the last few days. Chris Wilder is seemingly targeting his defence as a position to strengthen. Woolfenden’s age and versatility, then, seemingly make him the ideal candidate.
Paul Lambert insists Luke Woolfenden is worth a big sum of money. (Photo by Richard Calver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
But rather than getting him on the cheap as officials at Bramall Lane might have hoped for, Paul Lambert has instead insisted his man is worth a hefty fee. Indeed, when asked if Woolfenden would be worth double figures, Lambert responded emphatically.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
“The way the modern game is? Absolutely. Absolutely”, Lambert said (East Anglian Daily Times).
“Potentially what he could be. The way the game’s going with money. I see players moving for money they shouldn’t be anywhere near”.
Woolfenden has made the right-back slot his own at Portman Road this season. With Kieron Freeman likely to be on his way out of the club, the Blades could see the youngster as the ideal cover or long-term replacement for George Baldock. Furthermore, Woolfenden might also provide cover for the experienced defender, Chris Basham.
Lambert did, however, conceded a mammoth bid could see him being forced to sell.
“If somebody came in with £20million or whatever it is that’s one thing you can’t ever stop. We’re not in a position to turn down that kind of money. It’s impossible,” he added.
The ideal signing on paper
Chris Wilder has made no secret of his desire to bring in some new faces in the January window. He’s already signed Jack Rodwell, while plenty of other names have been mentioned over the last two weeks.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United looks on prior to the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Sheffield United at American Express Community Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
However, Woolfenden seems to be the ideal fit. Young, hungry, and wanting to improve and learn, he’d fit the mould of the sort of player Wilder is looking to attract at Bramall Lane.
For all Lambert’s comments on £10m and so forth, it would be very interesting to see what the Tractor Boys said if the Blades did stump up less cash with some added incentives.
