Clarity on missing Sheffield United man’s transfer future after pre-season absence sets fans’ tongues wagging
Clarity on missing Sheffield United man’s transfer future after pre-season absence sets fans’ tongues wagging
Rhys Norrington-Davies remains available for a potential departure from Sheffield United this summer, The Star understands, despite returning to training at Shirecliffe. The Welsh international has not been seen yet in the Blades’ first four pre-season outings.
But he is now back involved with the United group, we have been told, amid doubt about his future at Bramall Lane. The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at United’s Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers, making 44 appearances for club and country after his torrid time with injuries in South Yorkshire.
United have Harrison Burrows and Sam McCallum competing for the left-back spot when the new season begins, though, and United would be open to approaches for Norrington-Davies.
But until that happens, he remains a United player and could provide valuable cover should anything happen to Burrows or McCallum on the injury front in the next few weeks. The former missed Tuesday’s friendly win over Huddersfield Town with a minor fitness issue but is expected to be fit for the start of the season next month.
QPR were expected to approach United about the possibility of a return deal for Norrington-Davies, who impressed R’s boss Julien Stephan last term. “I think he did well this season but I don’t want to speak for the next season,” he said earlier this year.
“He’s not a QPR player, he’s a Sheffield United player. He was on loan this season, I think he did well. He played a lot of games. I think it was, since the start of his career, the most football games played in the Championship.
“It’s a good reference for him. We managed him very well. For the future, I don’t know. He’s under contract with Sheffield United so I can’t say anything more.”
United, who face Rotherham United in their penultimate pre-season friendly this weekend, will also listen to offers for goalkeeper Ivo Grbic, who featured in a pre-season squad for the first time against Huddersfield.