A “fantastic finisher” who has been making an impression in the Championship this season has reportedly drawn interest from Sheffield United.
Blades vying for promotion
With a third-place finish in the Championship, the Blades are well-positioned to make a quick return to the Premier League, but they might believe that additional additions are required if they want to guarantee immediate promotion.
Chris Wilder has made a £2.9 million bid for NEC striker Sontje Hansen, indicating his desire to bolster his attacking lineup. However, Ligue 1 team Lens will compete for his services.
A verbal agreement has now been reached with Premier League struggling Southampton for Ben Brereton Diaz to join Bramall Lane on loan, with the possibility of a permanent move in the summer.
The Daily Mail reports that Sheffield United has now contacted him over a deal for Lewis Koumas, suggesting that although Wilder is personally spearheading the move for the striker, the 57-year-old may be eager to add more than one new forward this month.
After agreeing to a long-term deal with Liverpool, Koumas went on loan to Stoke City in the summer. Since then, he has been a consistent starter for the Championship team, drawing interest from some of the best teams in the second division of English football.
Potential suitors for the 19-year-old include Watford and West Bromwich Albion. The Blades’ Championship opponents also think he may help them in their attempts to be promoted to the Premier League.
However, the Potters believe they will be able to keep hold of the youngster, as they look to improve their league standing in the second half of the campaign.
Koumas could boost the Blades’ promotion push
The Welshman is a natural-born goalscorer, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp describing him as a “fantastic finisher”, and he has been on the scoresheet for Stoke four times this season in all competitions, despite often playing out wide.
Last season, the 19-year-old’s offensive skills were also demonstrated at Anfield, when he scored the game’s lone goal as the Reds defeated Southampton 1-0 with a young starting lineup in the FA Cup fifth round.
“He needs to improve his defensive game and we’re trying to work on the details because he doesn’t control his steps very well, so his defensive position is not great, but his energy and speed and the willpower is impressive,” said former Stoke manager Narcis Pelach, who acknowledged that the starlet needs to work on certain aspects of his game given his age.
Koumas is obviously full of potential, and his Championship experience this season puts him in a strong position to contribute right away at Bramall Lane.
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