Sheffield United’s transfer hopes could hinge on a £35 million Premier League deal, as Ruben Selles’ patience is challenged.
It appears to be being tested more than Sheffield United’s weak defence, but Ruben Selles may need to be more patient in his pursuit of Everton’s Tim Iroegbunam. We believe that the midfielder remained a goal for the Blades despite the signing of Djibril Soumare earlier in the transfer window.
The Senegalese teenager was one of the few bright spots for Blades fans as United were eliminated from the League Cup in the first round on Wednesday evening, losing to Birmingham City. Selles is not expecting any reinforcements ahead of this weekend’s trip to Swansea City, where he is looking for his first win as Blades manager.
His patience is clearly running thin, as he admitted in his pre-match press conference yesterday that United’s recruitment process this summer “has not been good enough,” with five players still required to make the Blades competitive after a slew of summer departures.
Another key position is centre-back, and another forward may be on Selles’ list following Kieffer Moore’s move to Wrexham and Oli McBurnie’s decision to join Hull City rather than return to Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United’s transfer hopes could hinge on a £35 million Premier League deal, as Ruben Selles’ patience is challenged
Iroegbunam has been playing for Everton in pre-season, and with David Moyes’ roster strained ahead of the start of the Premier League season, he is hesitant to let any players go on loan until the Toffees have a substitute in place.
Everton is looking to sign midfielders, including Florentino Luís from Benfica and Douglas Luiz from Juventus. Nottingham Forest are also interested in the former Aston Villa player, who could fetch £35 million if he comes to England.
This might free up Iroegbunam for a loan transfer elsewhere, while youngster Harrison Armstrong could also be released having previously playing for Derby County. Iroegbunam recently spoke about his campaign ambitions, but did not reveal much.
“For me, it’s more about being able to get through pre-season injury-free,” said the former Villa player, who has struggled to maintain regular health since moving to Liverpool. “And then we’ll see how things go from there. And that is what I intend to accomplish.
United will be heartened by the fact that he has played in pre-season and should be in fine physical shape if he arrives at Bramall Lane before the transfer deadline on September 1.
“I feel like every player will probably say the same,” he joked. “You want to get as many minutes into your legs as possible in pre-season so that when you start the season, you’re ready.
You’re not cramping up or becoming weary too quickly. “I didn’t take too much time off. I took a couple weeks off and then jumped right in, so I was ready to go. And for me, it was simply about getting through pre-season fit so that I could start the season strong.
“I’ve been working out a lot at the gym, trying to bulk up so I can combat more in the midfield. And I’d definitely recommend eating a lot healthier as well.”
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