Marriott, in whom Sheffield Wednesday have been credited with interest, could tick multiple boxes for Sheffield United.
Chris Wilder will get to work on strengthening his Sheffield United squad after being promised an ‘improved budget’ by the Blades’ quarrelling owners.
And after the departures of Clayton Donaldson and James Wilson this summer, it is likely that the bulk of that money will be spent on a new striker.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield on Tuesday, Wilder – despite conceding that the Blades may have to pay more than they are used to for players – vowed not to abandon his policy of looking down the leagues when looking for new recruits.
And given last week’s admission by Darragh MacAnthony, the Peterborough United owner, that contact has occurred between the two clubs, it would be little surprise to see Jack Marriott emerge as a target for the Sheffield United manager.
Posh are seemingly resigned to losing Marriott, who scored 33 goals in all competitions as the Cambridgeshire side fell short of the play-offs this season, with Rangers, Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday among those being credited with interest.
However, MacAnthony’s asking price, which is more than £5 million, could yet prove a sticking point for some, if not all of those clubs.
And with their funds seemingly in place, there is a chance for Sheffield United to steal a march on rival suitors – should they indeed develop a liking for the player (who HITC Sport understands was on the Blades’ radar before his move to Peterborough).
At 23 and with a hunger to overcome previous disappointment at a higher level, Marriott is not far from your typical Wilder recruit, only with a larger valuation – although coming from a lower division could also mean lower wages compared to other players at similar prices.
Should Sheffield United rival Sheffield Wednesday for Marriott?
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