Sheffield United are considering sanctioning the departure of Jefferson Caceres this summer in order to open up a slot in the squad.
According to The Star, the Blades are considering a deal to send the forward to Scottish side Dunfermline before the market closes next month.
Caceres joined as one of a number of players that were signed from the club’s new AI-led approach to recruitment, which also includes the arrivals of Christian Nwachukwu, Ehije Ukaki and Mihail Polendakov from Bulgaria.
The 22-year-old has yet to feature for Sheffield United since his arrival, and was not in the first-team squad for the team’s 4-1 loss to Bristol City last weekend.
Sheffield United consider Dunfermline move
Sheffield United are reportedly looking to add some defensive reinforcement before the market shuts on 1 September, particularly with Anel Ahmedhodzic no longer at the club.
Speculation also surrounds Jack Robinson and Rhys Norrington-Davies, meaning Selles’ squad could need fresh faces to bolster his options at the back.
This has led to the Blades considering a deal with Dunfermline for Caceres, who joined the Yorkshire outfit last February.
It’s understood that former poker player James Bord is heavily involved in the recruitment process at Bramall Lane, and he could facilitate the move for Caceres through his ownership of the Scottish side.
Sheffield United are currently using up all of their slots for work permit exceptions, so will need to open up space for a potential arrival, which has led to the consideration over the Peruvian.
It’s believed discussions have been held over a deal that could free up a spot in the squad before the end of the window.
Sheffield United’s summer signings
Sheffield United have added three more players from the Bulgarian league, as they continue this new approach to recruitment.
Djibril Soumaré, Ukaku and Polendakov have all arrived this summer, along with loan deals for Louie Barry from Aston Villa and Tyler Bindon from Nottingham Forest.
Bindon and Barry were the only summer recruits who started the Blades’ 4-1 loss to Bristol City last weekend.
Next up for Sheffield United in the league is a trip to face Swansea City on 16 August.
Caceres consideration raises questions about Sheffield United’s new transfer strategy
Caceres was signed last winter and is currently occupying an important slot in the squad, but is clearly not part of Selles’ first team plans.
Having to move him to Dunfermline through links with the owner also suggests there are no clubs interested in signing this 22-year-old, even on loan.
None of the players brought in on this AI-led strategy have made any kind of impact on the team, raising serious questions over their plans in the market.
This is a concerning development at Bramall Lane, and the manner of the defeat to Bristol City last weekend will only pile on the pressure further to get meaningful deals done before the window closes.