Sheffield United is poised for a busy summer transfer window.
Even though the Blades just played one season in the Premier League before being relegated down to the Championship, they should be able to compete at the top of the table.
United has not placed lower than 10th in the second tier since they were back in the top two English football leagues in 2017. This came back in the 2017–18 season.
Though change is undoubtedly required and anticipated among his present group, Chris Wilder, who has experienced two promotions with his boyhood club, will be given similar tasks this time around.
The 56-year-old recently disclosed a portion of his transfer strategy, and rumors that the team is in talks with a winger who is now playing north of the border would undoubtedly fall under the heading of adding more experience to Bramall Lane.
Although the Blades are currently operating on a limited budget, things could change throughout the window.
This is due to rumors that the team is preparing an acquisition for Tom Lawrence, a winger who is currently with SPFL powerhouses, that have surfaced in recent days.
Lawrence, 30, is a perfect fit for the previously described transfer outlook that Wilder and his recruiting team have disclosed. The Manchester United academy graduate was previously well-known in the second division with teams like Derby County.
Football League World analyst Owen Wyse, a Sheffield United supporter, has always appreciated the Wales international’s play and offered his opinion on this possible deal.
“Tom Lawrence has always been a hero of mine,” Wyse said.”I think he’s a very decent Championship player.”
His action with the Rangers startled me a little. He’s been more of a rotation guy than the elite player on the Rangers, which is something I felt would have really stood out at that level.”
“I would have been thrilled with the prospect of signing Lawrence a few years ago when he was at Derby if you had asked me the same question. I believe he’s a player we ought to have been considering,” he continued.
“I’m not as excited about him after his somewhat disappointing two seasons in Glasgow. However, I would argue that he hasn’t changed into a terrible player at all. The move hasn’t proven to be very successful, which is something that can happen to players who don’t settle in properly.”
“I think a cut-price £2m deal represents good business for us, and if we can get him for around that price, I would be looking to bring him in.”
The Scottish Daily Mail Paper Edition (10/06, p. 67) reports that, in addition to United’s alleged interest, top flight new boys Suffolk Town are reportedly investigating the possibility of a transfer.
The prospect of rejoining the Tractor Boys after a stellar season in which the Welshman recorded 11 goals and an equal number of assists in 2016–17, coupled with the opportunity to play Premier League football after just four combined appearances during stints at Old Trafford and Leicester City, would undoubtedly give him plenty to think about.
Reports suggest that Rangers will command a fee for his services, as it represents the final summer window where the Light Blues can garner any profit on the 30-year-old, who joined from Derby three years ago after the Rams’ relegation to League One.
Furthermore, the man who brought Lawrence to Ibrox – Giovanni van Bronckhorst – has recently taken over at Turkish Süper Lig outfit Besiktas, and Fanatik have since claimed that the Dutchman has recommended the winger to the Black Eagles hierarchy.
Despite the strong competition the Blades look set to face in this particular race, as Wyse referenced, a cut-price deal for a seasoned Championship winger would be a smart move for all parties.
Lawrence shone at Pride Park in particular, totalling 37 goals and 25 assists in 185 appearances, and United will be hoping to get a similar tune out of the winger as he looks to somewhat resurrect his career after an indifferent spell in the SPFL.
However, with Ipswich offering Premier League football and Besiktas qualifying for the UEFA Europa League, as well as the links Lawrence has with Van Bronckhorst, those possibilities may prove difficult over the coming weeks.
Regardless, the 23-time Wales international’s profile aligns with the recruitment drive United are aiming towards, so a punt on his services is worth taking
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