Sheffield United could revive previous transfer interest amid financial admission, help from inside man
Sheffield United could revive previous transfer interest as inside man guides target
Sheffield United may return to one of their near neighbours for one of their star men this summer after their chief executive was forced to deny reports of a reduced playing budget next term - and admit the need to secure “long-term stability” off the pitch. As we revealed in January, the name of Reyes Cleary was inked on a list of Blades transfer targets.
The Barnsley winger had not long since impressed in the cup against Liverpool at Anfield and was a player of interest to a number of Championship clubs, including Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City.
He ultimately stayed put at Oakwell beyond the transfer deadline, after the Reds instead sold Davis Keillor-Dunn to Wrexham late in the window. But the Blades’ policy in the past has been to keep an eye on previous targets and their ears may have pricked up recently at hints of financial worries just across the border.
Chief executive Jon Flatman issued a statement this week in which he reiterated the commitment of chairman Neerav Parekh, insisting that “alongside the Cryne family, owners will continue to invest millions of pounds into Barnsley FC next season to ensure the club is competitive on and off the field.”
The statement acknowledged however that the funding from the club’s benefactors will not last forever and that the club must “ensure our costs are controlled” and ensure their sustainable future is protected “for many years to come.”
As part of those plans it is understood that any serious offers for their star players would be seriously considered, which could open the door for United to resurrect their interest in the 21-year-old, who only moved to Oakwell last summer after leaving West Bromwich Albion.
Sheffield United could revive previous transfer interest as inside man guides target
That impressive performance in the FA Cup against reigning Premier League champions only enhanced Cleary’s reputation, while the winger scored a remarkable goal from inside his own half against Bradford City back in October.
The Reds turned down four bids from two Championship clubs early in the window and subsequently warned the player’s potential suitors that any deal for Cleary would not come cheap. But their initial hardball stance, which saw them value Cleary at about £3m, could be softened come the summer.
United may well be on the lookout for a left-wing option in the summer, currently lacking a natural in that position, with Gus Hamer most frequently playing off the left. He may depart when the transfer window opens, however, as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his deal come July 1.
United will also have to cut their cloth when their parachute payments from the Premier League dry up but the opportunity to secure an exciting young player for a reasonable fee, should it arise, may prove a difficult one to turn down.
In terms of mentors, Cleary doesn’t have a bad one at Oakwell in the shape of former Blades man David McGoldrick, who is still making a mockery of League One defences at the ripe age of 38.
Unlike his former Lane striker partner Billy Sharp, McGoldrick has made no secret of the fact that management does not interest him but added: “That doesn't mean I don't want to be involved in football.
“With mentoring young players, I've done things with players this year, just helping them. Especially the attackers, in terms of just doing things with individuals. With Reyes, I've gone through individual clips with him. And that's not me wanting to be a coach. That's just me wanting to help someone. I see the potential in players.
"I played at the top, and I played against the best. So I kind of know what it takes. Reyes wasn't making the runs in behind as much, so I was telling him to be more direct. It's not all about ‘YouTube moves’ or stepovers on the outside and getting past a man.