Sheffield United in line for another potential vital cash windfall as striker attracts big-money transfer interest
Sheffield United could be due another financial boost this summer, with a second former academy striker attracting growing interest from clubs in England and abroad.
Sheffield United will be keeping tabs on the potential movements of another of their former strikers in this summer’s transfer market as they look to reshape their own squad after a poor season. The Blades are preparing for a big overhaul that could see almost 20 players depart Bramall Lane.
Nowhere near that number are expected to arrive as the Blades tighten their belts financially following the end of parachute payments, although they do have a couple of other lucrative sources of income potentially in the pipeline.
As we reported earlier this week United have a sell-on interest in Newcastle United striker Will Osula, who is now valued at around £40m after breaking into Eddie Howe’s side and scoring four times in his last six Premier League games.
United may have to wait to get another windfall from Osula’s £10m move to the north-east, though, with Howe insisting he wants the 22-year-old to be part of his plans next season despite him going close to a near-£30m move to Germany not too long ago.
And another young former Blade could be in demand this summer, in the shape of striker Will Lankshear. After a prolific spell in the Blades’ academy since arriving from Arsenal, Lankshear returned to North London with Tottenham Hotspur and last season scored 12 goals and added four assists o loan at relegated Oxford United in the Championship.
That form has caught the eye of a number of clubs both in England and abroad, as reported by the Press Association - including some in the top-flight. Any decision on Lankshear’s long-term future at Tottenham will not take place until there is clarity over which division the club will be in next season, PA understands.
But there is some optimism about his prospects under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, who handed debuts to numerous young players during his time at Brighton and Hove Albion. If he is prised away, though, United would be in for another financial windfall.
We understand United have a sell-on clause in the deal that took Lankshear to Spurs in the summer of 2022, with the striker handed a new deal two years later that is set to run until 2029.
Speaking after Lankshear scored twice against United’s city rivals Wednesday last month, U’s boss Matt Bloomfield said: “With his finishing, dedication to his craft and single-minded desire to be the best he can be ... I think he’s a credit to himself. There’s so much to admire about him and he’s going to go to the top.”
If Spurs do survive in the Premier League, and Lankshear doesn’t leave on a permanent deal, there is expected to be a lot of Championship interest in a player who Middlesbrough were keen to sign in January.
But as things stand, a return to United isn’t thought to be on the cards. The Blades are well-stocked in the forward areas, with Patrick Bamford, Tyrese Campbell and Tom Cannon currently under contract and Callum O’Hare and Gus Hamer able to support their attack.