Sheffield United are worried that naming new signing Michael Verrips in a match day squad will mean they forfeit the game.
Belgian newspaper Voetbal Nieuws reports the Blades will not take any chances until their disagreement with Verrips’ former club KV Mechelen is resolved.
The goalkeeper joined United as a free transfer on deadline day. Mechelen claim Verrips is in breach of his contract and have gone to Fifa.
According to BBC Sport, the Belgian side have an issue with the player and not the Blades. Verrips terminated his deal with Mechelen after they were removed from the Europa League following a match-fixing investigation.
A fee for the 22-year-old can still be agreed between the two sides to end the issue. However, they are currently said to be very far apart in terms of their valuations.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
When will Michael Verrips play?
(Photo by Vincent Van Doornick/Isosport/MB Media/Getty Images)
A report from the Mirror says it’s unclear when Fifa will come to a conclusion with their investigation. As for United, they are prepared to wait it out.
There is no pressing concern for them as Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson is the established number one. Meanwhile, Simon Moore is a capable backup on the bench.
So until Fifa have come to a decision Verrips will simply have to continue to watch from the stands. It’s likely that will be the case once again when Leicester City visit Bramall Lane in the Premier League this Saturday.
Mechelen were prepared to lose Verrips this summer and said they received a “concrete offer” from the Blades the day before he eventually moved.
Their issue is with the Dutchman deciding to become a free agent without their permission. Therefore it could be the case that Fifa decide United have to pay some sort of compensation.
