Sheffield United boss makes Ismaila Coulibaly admission as Malian starlet gets chance to impress

Coulibaly was signed in September 2020 before being immediately dispatched to United’s sister club Beerschot, to begin what was intended to be a three-year loan in Belgium.

But the complications of Brexit and the work permit system, plus Beerschot’s relegation to the second tier of Belgian football, meant that Coulibaly would lose his eligibility to play for United if he remained at Beerschot beyond the summer.

No issues over Lowe's attitude, Blades boss insists, despite transfer links

Instead, the 21-year-old – who spent a short time training with United during an international break last season – joined up with Paul Heckingbottom’s squad for pre-season, featuring in both their friendlies against Portuguese side Casa Pia and Lincoln City so far.

Coulibaly is expected to feature again tomorrow when United travel to Scunthorpe United for their latest warm-up fixture and Heckingbottom said: “He's found it interesting, from talking to him; in terms of the intensity and the way the lads are training, and settling in.

The Khadra comments that should excite United fans as he checks out Blades

“We are going to work with him and have a really good look at him and keep pushing him. He's still so young, but people have known about him for so long but when he signed, he was only 18.

“He's got a lot of years in front of him and we want to see how he is, and how he responds to how we work and how we train.”

While you're here, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor