Sheffield United summer target hailed for 'fantastic year' in first Premier League season

Neal Maupay was on United’s radar as they prepared for life in the top flight, with the former Brentford man electing to join Brighton.

The Blades would go on to bring Oli McBurnie and Lys Mousset to the club to strengthen their forward line, with Chris Wilder admitting that there had been talks to tempt Maupay to Bramall Lane

WIlder told The Star in December: "We had discussions with Neal in the summer. There were quite a few clubs in the same pond. We wanted to improve at the top of the pitch and he was a player we knew a lot about with his exploits at Brentford.

"As I say, we looked at him and he was a possibility but players make their choices and he chose to sign for Brighton.”

Maupay would go on to score nine goals in his maiden Premier League campaign and his team mate Glenn Muray has been signing the praises of the striker.

Murray told the club’s website: “It’s been a fantastic year for Neal – whenever you haven’t played in the league there’s a question mark over you.

“He’s proved himself as a Premier League goal scorer. I see his work ethic every day and that will only make him better.

“He’s always willing to listen and learn from everyone around him. He picks bits up wherever he can. His attitude and aggression in the right way is key to being a top player.”

“There’s no reason he can’t score 20 goals a year in this league with the right service. Every forward thinks they should have scored more, regardless of how many they’ve got.

“We always do finishing work after training. He asked if he could join in, and I said of course he could. We have three goalkeepers and we all work together – it’s good fun and gets the best out of both parties.”

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