The following Nottingham Forest, Burnley and Norwich City stars could be going free this summer and Sheffield United should pounce.
Sheffield United are edging ever closer to a Championship return and with several of the Blades’ key players – not to mention their manager – yet to taste the second tier, a bit of know-how would not go amiss this summer.
The following three players have bags of experience at that level and could all be available for nothing..
Michael Mancienne (Nottingham Forest)
The former Chelsea and Hamburg centre-back has been a regular at Nottingham Forest over the past three campaigns, although it remains to be seen whether or not he features in Mark Warburton’s plans at the City Ground. United will perhaps have to cough up in order to bring loan star Ethan Ebanks-Landell back to Bramall Lane next season and signing the Forest player could prove a more cost-effective solution.
Alternative: Mike Williamson (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Michael Kightly (Burnley)
Thrice promoted from the Championship, Kightly is currently impressing at the other end of the table on loan to Burton Albion. His chances of securing a new contract at Burnley are likely to be slim, however, given the Clarets’ healthy position in the league above. The Blades perhaps stand as good a chance as any of landing the 31-year-old, who can play on either flank.
Alternative: Will Buckley (Sheffield Wednesday, on loan from Sunderland)
Kyle Lafferty (Norwich City)
No relation of United left-back, Daniel, Lafferty could be the perfect foil for Billy Sharp, with question marks remaining over the suitability of both Leon Clarke and James Hanson as Championship players. The Northern Ireland striker has barely had a look in at Norwich these past few campaigns and looks certain to leave. He is, however, a regular on the international stage, where he was among the top scorers in Euro 2016 qualifying.
Alternative: Souleymane Doukara (Leeds United)
Would these Nottingham Forest, Burnley and Norwich City stars be good additions for the Blades?
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