Sheffield United are looking at a deal for Southampton right-back James Bree ahead of January, reporter Alan Nixon has said on his Patreon.
Sheffield United are set to be in the market for more new recruits when the January transfer window comes around as they look to push on with their promotion bid.
Chris Wilder and co couldn’t have asked for a much better season to date. They sit at the top of the Championship table as we near the halfway stage but Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland are among those in hot pursuit.
sheffield united, Sheffield United looking into winter swoop for Southampton defender
Image courtesy of: SCOTT HEPPELL/REUTERS.
Despite such strong form and eye-catching performances though, the Blades do have areas they need to strengthen when the winter window comes around. Now, a new link has emerged as next month nears.
According to reporter Alan Nixon, Southampton defender James Bree is among the players being looked at by Sheffield United.
Bree has found game time hard to come by since the Saints won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League and a winter move could await. The 27-year-old has played just three times in the league this season, often remaining an unused substitute but also being left out of the squad completely on a handful of occasions.
In three Carabao Cup outings, Bree has scored twice, operating as both a right-back and a left-back.
A needed addition?
Sheffield United will be out to add both quality and depth in the transfer window and there’s no doubt that Bree would be an impressive signing for the Blades to make. He’s versatile, experienced and has proven to be a success in the Championship before.
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However, given that his main role is right-back, some will debate whether Bree is actually needed at Bramall Lane.
sheffield united, Sheffield United looking into winter swoop for Southampton defender
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
Alfie Gilchrist has emerged as the go-to right-back while on loan from Chelsea but he has ample cover and competition for the starting berth. The versatile Jamie Shackleton can fill in there while academy graduate Femi Seriki has been relied upon by Wilder when needed too.
The latter will only benefit from the opportunities he has been getting, but a move for someone like Bree could disrupt that. It’s a move the club will have to weigh up carefully despite the fact his situation makes him a feasible addition.
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Other recruitment focuses
As touched on before, Wilder and Sheffield United may look to add in a range of positions with depth sure to be key over the gruelling Championship campaign.
However, it seems likely that the focus will be on adding to the options in midfield and further up the pitch.
A versatile attacker who can play both up top and out on the wing wouldn’t go amiss and plenty of players of that profile have been linked. It will also be expected that a midfielder is signed in January given that Ollie Arblaster will be sidelined for the foreseeable.
Targets will already be on the radar to ensure the Blades can get to work swiftly when the window opens.
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