Sheffield United will not pay over the odds for the targets from Charlton and Southend, though.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder admits that he is interested in signing Ricky Holmes and Ryan Leonard from Charlton Athletic and Southend United respectively this summer.
The Blades boss also said that the club are in a position to pay “decent money” for players, but will not pay over their own valuation for either Leonard or Holmes.
Southend’s Ryan Leonard
After having an initial bid for Leonard rejected by Southend, Wilder was quoted by the Sheffield Star:
“We’ve done it the right way. We’ve gone through the front door, I spoke to Phil [Brown, Shrimpers manager] and put a bid in, he’s recognised that and they’ve put it in their local press, it’s been in our local press and we’ll see where it goes.
“If we come to a number we agree on and that we think is value, then we’ll get something done. But if it goes above that, then we’ll move on.”
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder celebrates after the match
On the subject of Holmes, and incoming transfers in general this summer, Wilder made it clear that United are in a good position financially but will not overpay.
“We will pay decent money for players,” he continued.
“But the club will be here long after me, there’s no way we’re going to go into financial meltdown. There’s got to be progression but within a structure.”
Charlton Athletic’s Ricky Holmes celebrates scoring their third goal
The Blades are preparing for life back in the Championship following five years outside the second tier after Wilder led them to the League One title in 2016/17.
With one of the biggest fanbases outside of the Premier League and, as already mentioned, decent financial backing, they will probably be looking for more than just survival next season.
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