Sheffield United wanted to sign Joe Gelhardt in the summer transfer window, as detailed in a report by The Star.
Sheffield United were interested in landing the Premier League attacker this summer from Leeds United. However, SUFC missed out to top flight new boys Hull City last month.
Gelhardt, 24, became available after helping the Tigers gain promotion from the Championship last season against the odds under the guidance of Sergej Jakirovic. He was a hit during his temporary spell in East Yorkshire and scored 15 goals in 44 games in all competitions.
According to The Star, the Blades wanted to lure him to Bramall Lane before his permanent switch to the MKM Stadium but nothing materialised in the end. It ended up being a quiet deadline day for Chris Wilder’s side and defender Liam Kitching was their only new arrival.
Sheffield United won 3-2 at home against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday evening after goals by Japhet Tanganga, Patrick Bamford and Romelle Donovan. They are sat in 9th place in the Championship table just outside the play-offs and they are back in action this weekend with another clash on their own patch against Norwich City as they aim for another win.
Sheffield United weren’t the only second tier team keen on Gelhardt. SUFC’s league rivals Birmingham City and Wrexham were also linked.
The Blades were offered the chance to re-sign Kieran Dowell from Hull City to fill the gap left by Callum O’Hare’s exit. However, they decided not to pursue that particular deal and he stayed with the Tigers.
Gelhardt would have been an eye-catching addition for Wilder’s men. He would have boosted their attacking department if they had won the race for his signature.
The ex-England youth international proved his quality at Hull City in the last campaign. He will now be ready to show what he can do at the top level.
Joe Gelhardt’s league stats for Hull City in all competitions last season
The Verdict: Sheffield United are lacking options after transfer window end
Sheffield United’s squad is looking weaker, especially after O’Hare’s departure to Wrexham. SUFC could have done with one or two more additions.
Their ranks are lacking quality and depth and the Blades could struggle if injuries hit. Nevertheless, they aren’t doing too badly in the league so far and did well to beat Bolton Wanderers last time out.
Gelhardt would have been ideal for them but it wasn’t to be. Hull City were always going to win the race for his signature due to his affiliation with the Tigers. It will be interesting to see how much game time he gets there now.
Enjoyed that? Add us to your Google sources
See more EFL transfer news and match reaction from The72, first, in Google Search.