Chris Wilder makes Harry Souttar transfer admission as Sheffield United pair’s Bramall Lane futures clarified
Chris Wilder makes Harry Souttar transfer admission as Sheffield United pair’s Bramall Lane futures clarified
Chris Wilder has confirmed Sheffield United have already made an approach for Leicester City man Harry Souttar after identifying him as a top target in this summer’s window. The Star revealed in the week that United had made a loan-to-buy offer for the Australian international.
That was knocked back and the Blades were informed that it would take £10m to sign their former loanee on a permanent basis. But that hasn’t ended United’s interest, with the player understood to have recently informed City officials that he would like to explore a move away.
United need to reinforce at centre-half after losing Ben Mee, Tyler Bindon and Leo Hjelde from last season’s squad, with Jamal Baptiste earning a crack at next season’s squad with some impressive displays in pre-season.
But the hope remains that two more experienced players will be in the building before the start of the season - with hope still remaining that it could be Souttar who pulls on a United shirt once again.
Speaking after today’s 2-0 win at Rotherham United which continued his side’s unbeaten run in pre-season, Wilder said: “I know people talk about it and say I shouldn't be talking about other players, but he's one that obviously has got history with us and we have been linked with him as well. We've already had conversations with Leicester about taking him.
“So, the conversations will be ongoing. He's a player that we obviously like and he had a great time on the pitch for us and off the pitch with the supporters. You know how much they rated him and they valued him.
“So it’s ongoing, but if it's not to be, it's not to be. And if it is, then we'll do what we can do. I’m speaking with the board and Steve Bettis in terms of trying to make something happen and we'll go from there.”
Asked if an approach for Souttar was a realistic proposition considering City’s hefty price tag, Wilder replied: “Well, we identify. We use a data team that chucks up players. We identify players and then about passing the buck, then it's my job to coach and manage the team.
“But I know we're trying. So, I should imagine I’ll speak to Steve after this and we'll see where we are at, with his conversations with the owners as well.”
Wilder remains confident that United can make the additions to the centre-half department before their season opens with an EFL Cup tie away at Mansfield Town, after confirming that Mark McGuinness and Nils Zatterstrom are not in his plans for the campaign ahead.
“We can't just go in with Japh and Jamal,” he said. “They're our two centre-halves for this season. Nils needs to go out on loan, and we’ve talked to Mark McGuinness about his future. Mark's been a super pro, so he comes on and does what he does.
“As I've said to all the players, you don't know who's watching and who's having a look at these games. So, Mark's not part of the plans going forward. While he's here, he's contracted to Sheffield United and if he's here when the window shuts, then he'll be part of the first team. But I don't see him starting for us.
“That's an area that I'm looking to change from what it was last season. It's an opportunity and there are obviously some examples out there of players that were after. Some experienced boys that can affect the likes of Harrison Burrows next to him and can affect the likes of Japh.
“Japh’s a relatively young player. He's not like a 26-year-old playing 300 or 400 games. He came in at Tottenham late, played right back in and out at Tottenham. Played at Millwall in a very experienced back four.
“So, I want somebody to bring the best out of Jaff, as well as Femi [Seriki] and Michael Cooper as well. So, that experience is what we're looking for and hopefully we'll get before the Mansfield game. That's what we're looking to do.”