Sheffield United could still face Ryan One transfer dilemma despite clarity on Rangers, Leicester City interest
Ryan One remains firmly in Chris Wilder's plans after his impressive loan spell at Lincoln City, but fresh transfer links have highlighted the difficult balancing act Sheffield United could yet face this summer.
The start of the new season is just over three weeks away now but all remains quiet on the transfer front at Sheffield United. A summer dominated by departures is waiting to really explode into life at Bramall Lane, with Romelle Donovan the only fresh face so far.
The latest link is with another departure, with the suggestion that Rangers and Leicester City are circling for promising Blades youngster Ryan One. The Scottish youth international is currently with United on their pre-season trip to Valencia.
He has been earmarked for a role with United this season after impressing on loan at Lincoln City in League One last season, helping them join the Blades in the Championship.
Still only 20, One is capable of playing out wide or through the middle, a versatility which could play in his favour this coming season as boss Chris Wilder looks to secure the reinforcements he needs to at least give United a chance of being competitive when the new campaign kicks off.
United sources have suggested to The Star that the latest links may be agent-led, with the ultimate aim of a new contract for a striker who only penned fresh terms in 2024. That arrangement tied him to United until at least 2029.
But if a substantial offer did arrive for One, it would present an intriguing conundrum for United’s owners. The club’s financial position is well documented, after the loss of parachute payments and an ongoing dispute over alleged outstanding payments to former owner Prince Abdullah.
If a sale of a player who was not part of last season’s squad alleviated much of their monetary concerns, then it would be obviously attractive. On the flip side, One’s ceiling is unknown and Unitedites would be loathe to see another chunk of the family silver sold off before they had achieved that potential with their club.
Speaking back in April, Wilder drew comparisons between One and former academy products David Brooks and Will Osula, who are now both plying their trade in the Premier League.
“He's got a big future ahead of him,” Wilder said. “He’s a number nine who can link it up, run down the sides and score. We sold Will for £10 million. I'm not putting too much on Ryan. But he's got a big future. And his future is with us.
“A big pre-season awaits him now. And his challenge now will be to force his way in. I've got no problem about playing him. If he forces his way in.
“He's a level-headed boy. He's got qualities. He's got to work hard Physically, he's good. So that fits the profile of what we want from our centre-forwards as well. And confidence is a big thing.
“He’s played in a winning team, had that feeling of achieving something. He’s been involved with us before, so he knows internally what I want it to look like. And he'll be, hopefully, hungry to repeat that success next season.”