As Sheffield United’s January window activity starts to take shape, The Star knows that the team is very close to a big double transfer boost. When the market opened, the Blades were ready to go, but thus far, their attempts to bolster their roster have been unsuccessful.
Negotiations over options and liabilities in contracts in the event that the Blades are promoted to the Premier League this season have contributed to the complexity, delaying United’s loan transfer for Ben Brereton Diaz. The procedure was recently streamlined, though, when the Chilean international, who made an impression when on loan at United in the Premier League the previous season, told the Saints management that he would only be open to considering a move to Bramall Lane if he left St. Mary’s this transfer window.
The Star has been informed that United is nearing a deal for the forward, who was identified as manager Chris Wilder’s top target in this transfer window. The 25-year-old, who joined Southampton in a £7 million deal from Villarreal in the summer, was also targeted by Sunderland, United’s promotion rivals, this transfer window.
While Louie Barry of Aston Villa was considered as an alternative, United was adamant about acquiring Brereton Diaz after he scored six goals in 14 top-flight games for the Blades the previous season. Wilder had identified a player who could play wide left and cover up front as one of his priorities.
Additionally, we have been informed that United is closing a deal for Tom Cannon, a striker for Leicester City, after yesterday’s proposal was accepted. The forward was recalled from a loan stint at Stoke City earlier this season, and the Blades are expected to pay an upfront fee of approximately £10 million to acquire him before his next career move.
In order to have one of the new players—and ideally both—signed and sealed in time for United’s two games next week, away to Swansea City on Tuesday night and home to Hull City at Bramall Lane on Friday night, Wilder had originally hoped to have new faces in his squad for this afternoon’s match against Norwich City.
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