It has been suggested that there are two Championship strikers among the Sheffield United transfer targets.
The Sheffield Star has hinted that Brentford top scorer Neal Maupay and Swansea City’s Oli McBurnie are exactly the sort of forwards the Blades are after.
United manager Chris Wilder is reportedly looking for players with potential and a point to prove. Wilder specifically mentioned Mark Duffy, who progressed through non-league and the lower divisions before being signed on a free transfer in 2016.
The 51-year-old says the club won’t be spending “ridiculous” fees strengthening their squad. This is despite the fact they are expected to bank in excess of £100m gaining promotion to the Premier League.
They will need to sign new faces, though. Upfront is an area that needs recruitment. Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick are under contract, while the Daily Mail reports talks will start with Cardiff City about re-signing Gary Madine.
However, Scott Hogan is set to return to Aston Villa after his loan. Meanwhile, Conor Washington is out of contract and has not scored all season.
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Who are the suggested targets?
Maupay is one of the latest successes of the “Moneyball” system used at Griffin Park. Signed from Saint-Etienne in 2017, the 22-year-old has scored 27 goals in 48 games this term.
The Blades would face competition for Maupay, however, with the Mirror reporting Aston Villa, Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough are all interested.
Huddersfield will be playing in the Championship next season. If Villa or Boro are to be back in the top flight it will have to be via the playoffs. The Blades are already there.
McBurnie has also impressed for Swansea. In 2018/19 the 22-year-old has 23 goals in 43 matches in all competitions.
Swans boss Graham Potter admits there will be interest in McBurnie, but also expects him to stay, telling the BBC: “I’m confident there will be interest because his goal scoring record speaks for itself.”
“His career is just starting and he’s still got a bit to do to get to where I think he can. He’s in a good place to achieve that.
“While that’s still the case, I am confident he will be here.”