David Holdsworth wants Sheffield United to sign striker like Middlesbrough’s Britt Assombalonga this summer

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The Middlesbrough striker is just what Sheffield United need, according to their former captain.

Former Sheffield United captain David Holdsworth wants the Blades to add pace in attack this summer and suggested that a player in the mould of Middlesbrough’s Britt Assombalonga is required.

Although strikers Leon Clarke (18) and Billy Sharp (13) have each hit double figures for league goals this season, United’s profligacy in recent weeks looks to have cost them a play-off place in their first campaign back in the Championship.

And with front line colleagues Clayton Donaldson, James Wilson and Ched Evans only managing six between them, it would come as little surprise if the Blades were to follow Holdsworth’s advice in the summer transfer window.

By his own admission, however, it is unlikely that Assombalonga himself – for whom Middlesbrough paid £15 million last summer – will be arriving at Bramall Lane.

Speaking as a guest on Sheffield Live TV on Thursday, Holdsworth said: “I think Chris (Wilder, the Sheffield United manager) will look at this season and go: do you know what? From full-back areas, we’ve done well. And they’ve got confidence in that area.

“I still think that we’re a centre-half short, in my opinion. And, dare I say it, I think both goalkeepers are very decent, but I’d like to see someone more dominant. But that will cost you.

“And I’m always going to say, it doesn’t matter where you add, add pace – add pace up top. We’ve got an abundance of midfield players and we’re decent in that area. I would just like to see us have that electrifying pace.

“Maybe we will see that with (David) Brooks, given this season has been a learning curve for him. He’ll be stronger now he’s getting game time and certainly after his illness.

“So if I was going to make an addition up top, I’d like a Britt Assombalonga, but you’re going to be asking money – too much. He’s well out of our budget at present. But that’s the type of profile I would bring in.”

Despite his transfer fee being 300 times higher than that of Clarke, Middlesbrough’s Assombalonga has scored four goals fewer than his Sheffield United counterpart this season.