Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder speaks out about bid for Arsenal's Folarin Balogun but Rhian Brewster is still on his wanted list
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With 19 days of the transfer window remaining, Wilder has made no secret of his desire to acquire another centre-forward after revealing Lys Mousset is recovering from foot surgery.
Talks aimed at bringing Brewster to South Yorkshire continued with Liverpool over the weekend, after it emerged United have presented Jurgen Klopp with a detailed development plan crafted specifically for the England under-21 international.
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Hide AdBut with a number of other clubs also monitoring Brewster, including Newcastle and Aston Villa, United have spread their net by deciding to reactivate their long-standing interest in Balogun ahead of tomorrow’s Carabao Cup tie against Burnley at Turf Moor.
After being instructed to lodge an undisclosed bid with the Emirates Stadium board, United’s chief executive Steve Bettis is now waiting for a response from his opposite number Vinai Venkatesham, indicating discussions about Balogun have not reached an impasse, despite reports Arsenal are demanding £15m - with payments structured over the course if any potential contract.
“We made an enquiry regarding the young man ar Arsenal,” Wilder said. “That’s been left with the CEO at our club and their football club. We want attributes that suit us and move us forward.”
Rather than being a response to Liverpool’s procrastination over Brewster, The Star understands United have been tracking Balogun’s progress for more than 12 months, deciding to make an approach when he entered the final year of his agreement with Mikel Arteta’s side.
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Hide AdWith no indication Balogun plans to extend it, United believe the Londoners will be forced to consider lowering their valuation - particularly if Balogun agitates for a move.
Having scored 28 times in 28 appearances for Arsenal’s youth team during the 2018/19 campaign, Balogun had scored 10 goals in 15 outings for their under-23’s side last term before the fixture calendar was curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Brewster is regarded as one of the most promising youngsters at Liverpool’s disposal, and also impressed during a spell on loan with Championship club Swansea City last season.