Report: Crystal Palace and Sheffield United in talks with £20m ace Sancho called ‘a nightmare’

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Crystal Palace and Sheffield United are in talks to sign Rhian Brewster from Premier League champions Liverpool as the race for his signature heats up, according to Sky Sports.

Not so long ago, up to six top-flight clubs were queuing up to sign a 20-year-old whose only exposure to first-team football came during a short, albeit prolific, loan spell at Swansea City in the Championship last term.

But with Aston Villa spending a club-record fee on Ollie Watkins and Newcastle United making Callum Wilson their marquee summer signing, it seems the race for Brewster’s signature is now a two-horse one.

Sky claims Crystal Palace and Sheffield United have both held talks over what, to the chagrin of many Liverpool supporters, could be a permanent departure from Anfield.

Brewster is valued at £20 million and, unable to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI with some of the finest forwards in the world ahead of him, Liverpool look set to sell another fringe player for an astronomical fee.

Sky does suggest, however, Liverpool would insist on a buy-back clause – just in case Brewster lives up to his vast potential away from Anfield.

“I have played with him. I know how good he is. He causes defenders nightmares,” England’s Jadon Sancho said last year.

“He is a great player. I feel like he is at the right club, he is developing and he is still so young. Just give him the time and patience and you will see.”

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has been frustrated in his attempts to sign a striker this summer and, speaking after the 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Monday, admitted he wanted a new face through the door before next Monday’s clash with Aston Villa (Examiner).

Now talks with Brewster are under way, it seems Sheffield United are on the right track.