Sunderland defender Leo Hjelde has emerged as a target for Sheffield United
The Black Cats have already dedicated a notable amount of effort to thinning out their squad this January, and more departures are possible between now and Monday evening’s 7pm deadline.
To that end, the Sheffield Star report that Sheffield United are considering a temporary bid for Hjelde, who is very much on the fringe of Regis Le Bris’ first team plans in the North East at the time of writing. Having started the season injured, the Norwegian has returned to full fitness in recent months, but despite making a number of matchday squads, is yet to record a senior appearance this term.
For their part, the Blades are understood to be in the market for options at left-back following a serious injury to Sam McCallum during Saturday’s draw against Millwall. The defender was stretchered off after receiving lengthy treatment, including gas and air pain relief, and speaking after the final whistle, Chris Wilder suggested that his campaign could now be over. If that is the case, United would enter the second half of the season with Harrison Burrows as their only senior left-sided defender.
Prior to McCallum’s setback, Wilder’s side were said to be looking for reinforcements at the heart of defence, having lost both Ben Godfrey and Nils Zatterstrom earlier in the window. Now, however, The Star state that their priorities have shifted somewhat, and Hjelde - who can play as both a full-back or in a central role - is a target.
United already missed out on one deal for a Sunderland player this January, with midfielder Dan Neil completing a loan move to Championship rivals Ipswich Town last week, but according to this latest update: “That has not dissuaded them [United] from considering another approach to the Stadium of Light, with the expectation on Wearside that Hjelde would be allowed to leave on loan before the deadline.”
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What has Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris said about Leo Hjelde?
Last season, Hjelde would play 19 times for Sunderland’s first team, and addressing the 22-year-old’s versatility, head coach Regis Le Bris said: “Even if he is not a full-back specifically, he can play this role for us, because in our system we play with wide wingers and our full backs are more inside to support the triangles.
"For me it was clear that he could provide this support for the centre-back and left-back positions. He has been really important for us and he deserved this chance. He played well, he has been really important for us."
Sunderland have already offloaded defenders Arthur Masuaku, Aji Alese, Timothee Pembele, and Joe Anderson this month, with all but Anderson completing loan exits from the Stadium of Light.
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