Ruben Selles is the new manager in place at Sheffield United, and Leeds United could do him an early disservice by poaching star man Gustavo Hamer this summer.
Gustavo Hamer is widely expected to leave Bramall Lane this summer, after Sheffield United lost the Championship play-off final to Sunderland last time round.
And Leeds United are long-term admirers of Hamer, with their interest stretching back to the last time the Whites were in the Premier League.
Now with Leeds back in the top flight and Sheffield United in the Championship, the stage is set for Hamer to move to Elland Road, especially so after it was revealed that Hamer wants to secure a Premier League move this summer.
But new Blades boss Ruben Selles previously suggested Hamer is not for sale. Selles said that Sheffield United don’t necessarily need to sell players this summer, although it looks as if the Spaniard’s tune has changed.
Gustavo Hamer points during Sheffield United vs Bristol City.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
What Ruben Selles says about Leeds United transfer target Gustavo Hamer
Speaking to The Star from his side’s pre-season training camp in Girona, Spain, Selles spoke positively about Hamer’s fitness upon the return to pre-season. But the former Hull City boss has now hinted at uncertainty over whether or not Hamer stays this summer.
Selles spoke cautiously about the Dutchman’s future and urged the club to do all they can to keep him, suggesting that he knows the Blades face a battle to keep last season’s Championship Player of the Season.
“What I can say about Gustavo is that he’s trained really hard,” Selles began. “He’s come back in a good shape, he’s done everything we’ve wanted him to do and he’s a vital player for us.
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“If we can, we need to try and keep him and I think he’s happy where he is. Hopefully he’ll keep playing for us. He has been outstanding in terms of his character and behaviours, so nothing suggests to me that he will change.
“Obviously you can never say never because football is football and sometimes there are things that you cannot control. But if I can choose, and from watching his attitude, I would like to keep him with us, and I think he is happy where he is.”
Leeds United can sign Gustavo Hamer for an absolute bargain fee
The no.10 position is one that really needs added quality this summer. It’s understood that Leeds United will sign Hamer or Emi Buendia for that position, though many Leeds fans may prefer Hamer given his recent showings in English football.
And on top of that, Hamer is available for just £6.8million this summer, per reports, making him an absolute bargain buy for any team that would be lucky enough to sign him this summer. Buendia by contrast could cost close to £20million.
Already this summer, Leeds passed up the chance to sign Sem Steijn for less than £10million: the midfielder who won the Eredivisie Golden Boot last season with an unbelievable 27 goals for FC Twente. And we’ve also seen a number of transfer targets join Sunderland and other clubs.
Farke could reinstate some confidence by completing a deal for Hamer and filling that no.10 position for good.