Sheffield United should be relieved that one of their alleged summer targets failed to arrive at Bramall Lane.
Terence Kongolo was strongly linked with a move to United before he joined Fulham last month from Huddersfield Town.
According to The Daily Mail, Kongolo even had a medical with the Blades.
But the newspaper claimed United were left unsure as to when the Dutchman would be match fit again, having spent much of the year out injured with a broken foot.
And if there was any hesitance on Sheffield United’s part, well, it seems to be justified now, after Scott Parker’s admission this week.
“(Kongolo) had his injury which he got fine with,” the Fulham manager said, as quoted by West London Sport.
“He then got injured with a calf issue into his rehab.
“It’s been a worry for him, and he’s been out for some time, and when you’re coming back from a big lay-off you don’t want to risk other problems.
“So, is he out with an injury or lack of fitness? It’s a bit of both and it’s been a bit stop-start.
“A month or two to go? Realistically, yes. There’s the international break and after that you start to get some sort of training.
“So we won’t be seeing him in the near future.”
Sheffield United, who could be without another left-sided centre-back, Jack O’Connell for the rest of this season, were unable to strengthen in Kongolo’s position.
The former £18m man played twice for Fulham while on loan from Huddersfield last season and is reported to have cost the Cottagers around £3 million.
Blades fans – did your side dodge a bullet with the former Huddersfield defender?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
