Sheffield United are expected to turn to free agents and loans this summer, as per a report by The Star.
Sheffield United’s transfer plans are set to shift amid off-field issues. SUFC have had to end their pursuit of Leicester City centre-back Harry Souttar, who has been a long-term target.
The Blades have delved into the market so far to sign winger Romelle Donovan on loan from Brentford and right-back Matt Doherty on a free transfer after his deal at Wolves ended. They have also cut ties with key players Andre Brooks and Gustavo Hamer, who have been sold to Norwich City and Coventry City respectively.
Chris Wilder’s squad is lacking depth in certain positions, especially in the heart of defence, and they still need to bring in more new faces if they are to be competitive this season. They will be aiming to get into the Championship play-offs if possible.
The South Yorkshire outfit sacked Wilder 12 months ago after their play-off final defeat to Sunderland at Wembley and subsequently brought in Ruben Selles as his replacement. However, the ex-Reading and Hull City man seriously struggled to make an impact and Wilder some came back to steady the ship. Here is a look at three free agents Sheffield United should sign…
Axel Tuanzebe
The defender has been linked with a move to Wrexham following his departure from Burnley but should now be on Sheffield United’s radar. SUFC need more competition in their backline for Japhet Tanganga and Mark McGuinness.
Tuanzebe, 28, will be weighing up his options as a free agent at this moment in time. He has played in the Premier League before for the likes of Manchester United and Ipswich Town, as well as the Clarets in the last campaign.
Axel Tuanzebe stats in the Premier League so far in his career
Will Smallbone
He has been eyed by the likes of Stoke City, Burnley and West Brom since his exit from Southampton. He would be ideal for Sheffield United and would boost SUFC’s midfield department if they managed to snap him up.
Smallbone is a quality player at second tier level and would compete with players like Oli Arblaster, Sydie Peck and Joe Rothwell for a place in the Blades’ starting XI. He spent last term out on loan from the Saints at Millwall and needs to find himself a new home sooner rather than later.
Joe Aribo
Last but not least, Aribo needs to get his career back on track after cutting ties with Leicester City and Sheffield United could take a gamble on him. SUFC need bodies and he is someone who has a point to prove.
He was highly-rated during his earlier spells at Charlton Athletic and Rangers. The 30-year-old struggled with the Foxes though and could do with receiving a lifeline from somewhere now.
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