Why Chateauroux were chosen as Sheffield United's French sister club

The Star has seen details of the dossier compiled by those in charge of overseeing the UW project, before the Ligue 2 club was added to a portfolio of names which also includes Beerschot, Al Hilal United, Kerala United and Sheffield United themselves.

Within it, the authors identified a youth programme which counts the likes of Florent Malouda, Stephane Dalmat and Said Benrhama among its graduates and facilities at the Stade Gaston Petit as driving forces behind the purchase.

The regional council’s business strategy and geography - the Central val de Loire region where Nicolas Usai’s team are based, is only two hours from Paris - were also highlighted as being key features.

Despite struggling in France’s second tier this term, Chateauroux boast an enviable reputation for developing home grown players; something which is bound to have attracted the attention of UW, which counts becoming a stable for promising young footballers among its chief aims.

Although the best will be earmarked for either Belgium or Bramall Lane, subject to post-Brexit immigration and employment protocols, Usai’s squad could eventually become another important staging post.

The document UW officials produced noted how a recent audit of academies in French football rated Chateauroux’s system above the likes of Lille, Dijon and Angers and Metz - who also boast proud records in this field.

By purchasing the club, UW hope to establish a foothold in a part of Europe which has proved a rich source of talent for English teams in recent years.

Despite their struggles this season, Chateauroux were previously viewed as an established second tier side by the French sporting public, winning the title in 1997 and reaching the final of the Coupe de France seven years later.

Although the domestic game has suffered as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the collapse of a television partnership with Mediapro, who failed to meet payment deadlines after striking a record breaking a record breaking deal to screen top-flight matches, UW’s researchers also pointed to the growing popularity of L2 among domestic audiences before completing the buy-out last month.

Although playing on the third rung of the French pyramid is unlikely to prepare United’s own up-and-coming youngsters for the rigors of Championship football - 14 points adrift of safety ahead of Saturday’s game against Leeds, they are on the brink of being relegated from the Premier League - UW has already provided one member of their grade squads with an opportunity to further their education.

Earlier this term, George Broadbent joined Beerschot on loan. However an injury, sustained during a training session, has limited his involvement of late. Ismaila Coulibaly, who has also joined the Belgians on loan from United, recently underwent treatment for a heel complaint but is now back in action as Will Still’s side hope to finish the season in positive fashion.

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