New Bournemouth boss Jason Tindall has opened up on speculation linking Aaron Ramsdale with a return to Sheffield United, admitting to the Daily Echo that the goalkeeper is a ‘Sheffield boy’ at heart.
They do say ‘never go back’ but, in the case of an exciting young shot-stopper, a return to where it all began feels like the natural next step.
Ramsdale might have conceded 63 goals as Bournemouth’s five-year stay in the top-flight came to an end this season but, without his heroics between the sticks, the Cherries would have been plucked from the Premier League tree a lot earlier than the final day.
The Stoke-born 22-year-old was a revelation in his debut campaign at the Vitality, so much so that he has been lined up by Sheffield United as a replacement for the talismanic Dean Henderson at Bramall Lane.
Ramsdale actually started his career in the Steel City but failed to make a single first-team appearance before joining Bournemouth for a bargain £800,000 in 2017.
The phrase ‘unfinished business’ comes to mind, then.
“I know Aaron is a Sheffield boy, he’s from that way and Sheffield United are in the Premier League,” admits Tindall, who has stepped up from his assistant role to replace Eddie Howe as Bournemouth’s main man.
The Echo claims that Sheffield United have had a £12 million rejected, with the Cherries holding out for closer to £25 million (the Mail).
With Henderson facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford, Tom Heaton still injured and Jordan Pickford perfecting his Massimo Taibi tribute act, regular first-team football at Bramall Lane could propel Ramsdale into contention for an England spot ahead of Euro 2021.
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