Sheffield United may be about to fight off competition from Premier League rivals Everton and Burnley while entering talks to sign Troyes striker Mama Balde for around £5 million.
Only a couple of weeks ago, some were suggesting that Derby County’s 11-point record from 2007/08 could soon be coming under threat as Sander Berge followed Iliman Ndiaye – arguably Sheffield United’s two best players during their promotion winning campaign – out the door of Bramall Lane.
Since then, however, The Blades have quietly and efficiently set about strengthening Paul Heckingbottom’s squad with a couple of intelligent, albeit low-profile, additions.
Gustavo Hamer’s brilliant strike against Nottingham Forest on Friday is one Berge himself would have been proud of. Cameron Archer, meanwhile, adds a potentially prolific centre-forward to Heckingbottom’s roster, an £18 million deal with Aston Villa edging closer.
Furthermore, in Mama Balde, Sheffield United appear to be edging towards another exciting attacker. One who was on the radar of Everton and Burnley but could soon be completing a new-look Blades strikeforce with Archer and Benie Traore.
Sheffield United lead Everton and Burnley in Mama Balde race
According to L’Equipe, Sheffield United entered talks a couple of days ago for ESTAC Troyes’ 27-year-old Guinea Bissau international.
Formerly of Sporting Lisbon, Balde scored 12 goals and set up four more in France’s top flight last term. L’Equipe adds that Sheffield United could secure his services for as little as £5 million.
And while nothing is done just yet, these latest reports will only increase the sense of frustration at Goodison Park as a currently goalless Everton outfit continue to scramble around for much-needed attacking additions (talkSPORT).
Everton have had a bid rejected for Che Adams. They also look set to miss out on one of Sean Dyche’s top targets with Wilfried Gnonto rowing back on his determination to force a way out of Leeds United.
“At the beginning of the week, he came to see me in order to explain his situation. He apologised (and said) that he made a mistake. He spoke to the whole club and has lots of support from them,” Leeds coach Daniel Farke said on Thursday.
“We are 100 per cent on the same page.
“I liked Willy’s explanation and the fact he apologised. (Gnonto) said he is 100 per cent ready if I choose to play him. He’s 100 per cent ready to fight, so I gave him a second chance and he is trying to impress and earn his spot in the squad.”
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