United won’t be enjoying the busiest of January transfer windows as we all know, but it looks like the Blades could be edging closer to making their first signing of the winter.
According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Sheffield United are in advanced talks to bring in former England under-21 goalkeeper, Frank Fielding. Taking to his Twitter account, Nixon provided the update this evening.
Fielding is currently on the books of Stoke City. However, he has yet to play this season, barring a couple of appearances in the FA Cup. Now 33, United could see Fielding as the ideal back-up option to current number one, Wes Foderingham.
The Blades are set to be low on numbers in the goalkeeping department. As reported on Sheffield United News yesterday, Robin Olsen is set to cut his loan short. The Swedish stopper is set to return to Roma, before penning terms to move to Aston Villa.
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With Olsen gone and Jordan Amissah moving out on loan this weekend also, it’s left United with just Foderingham and the inexperienced Jake Eastwood. Marcus Dewhurst could be another younger option if needed.
Fielding has made over 170 appearances in the Championship. He has 12 England under-21 caps, and made his name predominantly with Derby County and Bristol City.
Our View: Frank Fielding Could Be Ideal Sheffield United Signing
It’s always hard to find a reliable number two. Simon Moore did it for a few years and did it brilliantly as we all know. So while the name of Fielding might not get bums off seats, we do need another goalkeeper.
OIsen hasn’t worked out, and we can’t allow Foderingham to just get comfortable. Fielding has ample experience at this level, would be cheap, and at 33, has plenty of miles left in the tank. As a youngster, he was highly-regarded, and former United boss Nigel Clough was one of many to label Fielding ‘outstanding’ during his Derby days.
Sheffield United could do a lot worse here. Frank Fielding is fine enough as a back-up to Foderingham. Of course, if he’s being considered as number one, then fans might question that logic a bit.
