As Newcastle United close in, a manager with such vast experience has been here before.
He was at the helm of Sheffield United when The Blades lost David Brooks and Che Adams to clubs higher up the footballing pyramid. His Middlesbrough side then saw James Tavernier jump at the chance to join AFC Bournemouth back in 2022.
It’s deja vu for Chris Wilder, then, back for a second spell at Bramall Lane.
His beloved Sheffield United are set to see the talented young William Osula depart. Thus, becoming the latest Wilder player to be lured away by the bright lights of the Premier League.
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle have agreed a fee in the region of £10 million.
And while personal terms have not yet been rubber-stamped, it would be a real surprise at this stage if Osula is still at Wilder’s disposal when Sheffield United kick off the new Championship campaign away to Preston North End on Friday night.
Newcastle close in on Sheffield United’s William Osula
“It’s quite difficult to hold onto players now when Premier League clubs come knocking,” Wilder tells The Star when pressed on Osula’s situation. “I had it at Middlesbrough when Bournemouth came knocking for Marcus Tavernier.
“Unfortunately, that attraction of the Premier League and the club is too difficult to turn down.”
Osula, the 6ft 4ins Denmark Under 21 international, is yet to score a league goal in 28 first-team appearances for The Blades.
Newcastle obviously see considerable potential in the youngster, however.
The Northern Echo report that Osula – who could eventually set Eddie Howe’s side back £15 million with add-ons included – will be the club’s third-choice striker behind former Chelsea target Alexander Isak and the experienced Callum Wilson next season.
Skilful and flighty despite his rangy frame, the right-footed Osula also possesses the requisite versatility to start wide on the left and cut in from the flank.
Tongues were set a-wagging when he missed Sheffield United’s 1-1 friendly draw with Huddersfield Town on Friday night. Wilder, however, insists that Osula’s absence was not down to those ongoing talks over a move to St James’ Park, rather a recent head injury.
Eddie Howe’s side to land a new striker
“There’s been talk,” Wilder says, referring to that Newcastle speculation. “Will’s been out because of his concussion, so he would have been here had he not have had that concussion. And he’d have been in Scotland (for the trip last week).
“But he had to go through the (concussion) protocol.
“There’s been talk and a lot of noise and we have to wait and see on that one,” the former Watford boss adds. “We’ve talked about it before, we are a club in a position that has to be careful that we don’t stifle opportunities for young players to go to Premier League clubs.
“And if there is interest, whether a year left like Jayden (Bogle, who leaves for Leeds United) or longer on their contracts, we make sure we get the best possible price.”
In a busy start to the summer, Newcastle have already brought in goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos with Elliot Anderson moving to Nottingham Forest as part of the deal.
Lewis Hall has been secured on a permanent basis from Chelsea while former Bournemouth stopper Lloyd Kelly reunites with Howe on Tyneside.
HITC understands that Newcastle have now opened talks with Crystal Palace for centre-half Marc Guehi, having also looked at AC Milan duo Malick Thiaw and Fikayo Tomori.
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