Sheffield United have received some mixed news in their pursuit of Brentford striker Neal Maupay.
The Sheffield Star reports of the Blades’ interest in Maupay, who scored 22 Championship goals last season.
They also add that Aston Villa are no longer keen on the 22-year-old following their club record signing of Wesley from Club Brugge.
Not only are Villa out of the race, but the price for Maupay also seems to have significantly dropped. It was initially thought it would cost upwards of £20m to land the Frenchman.
However, L’Equipe claim that bids should start at around £9m. Unfortunately for the Blades, they also add that Sevilla are now tracking Maupay.
It seems that the success of the forward in England has caught the attention of potential suitors in Spain. Apparently Maupay’s agent has even flown over to Andalusia to discuss a potential move.
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This could come as a blow at Bramall Lane, as Sevilla can offer Europa League football next term after finishing sixth in La Liga. Meanwhile, the Blades are preparing for their first campaign in the Premier League in 12 years.
Maupay has greatly impressed for the Bees since joining the Championship club from Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2017 for around £1.8m. Since then he has scored 41 times in 95 games. His former employers are entitled to 25 percent of any future transfer fee.
Who are the Maupay alternatives for Sheffield United?
The same Star article says that there are three other attackers the Blades are targeting. One of those is Swansea City’s Oli McBurnie, who also netted 22 goals in England’s second tier in 2018/19.
Wales Online outlines that Brighton and Hove Albion are also interested following their appointment of former Swans boss Graham Potter as their new manager. As yet there have been no offers, though.
Britt Assombalonga of Middlesbrough has also been linked. As has West Bromwich Albion top scorer Jay Rodriguez, whom the Telegraph reports has a £5m release clause.