Sheffield United have identified Terence Kongolo as Jack O’Connell’s replacement, with talks over a move from Huddersfield Town to Bramall Lane underway, according to Yorkshire Live.
Considering that Chris Wilder is enduring his worst run as Blades boss, with Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to local rivals Leeds their sixth straight Premier League loss, a long-term injury to one of his star performers is the last thing the Sheffield United manager needed.
O’Connell was arguably the best left-sided centre-back in the division last term – well, apart from Virgil van Dijk of course.
But the 26-year-old needs a knee operation and, according to Wilder himself, could miss the entire 2020/21 campaign (BBC).
Kongolo would have his work cut out if he arrives at Bramall Lane to replace a man who is not only a monster in the air, but also a vital cog in Sheffield United’s possession-based style due to his fine passing range.
Yorkshire Live claims that the Blades have held talks with Huddersfield over a move for Kongolo, who moved to the John Smith’s in a club-record £17 million deal from Feyenoord two years ago.
But the Terriers have made it clear that they will only let Kongolo leave on a permanent deal.
They will not consider short-term loans for a man who has just two years left on his contract.
The report adds that Fulham are interested in re-signing a man who helped Louis Van Gaal’s Holland reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2014. Injury restricted Kongolo to just one Championship appearance for the Cottagers during a loan spell last season.
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