"Absolute no-brainer" - Sheffield United, Alfie Gilchrist transfer claim issued by ex-England international | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer discussed Sheffield United's chances of signing Alfie Gilchrist on a permanent basis

Carlton Palmer believes that it would be a no-brainer for Sheffield United to sign Alfie Gilchrist on a permanent basis after his impressive start to life on loan at Bramall Lane.

The 20-year-old put pen-to-paper on a season-long deal with the Blades from Chelsea, and he's become an important member of Chris Wilder's side as they've made an excellent start to the Championship season.

Gilchrist recently told the Daily Mail that he'll "see what happens" next season, giving hope to supporters that he may remain at the club next season on a permanent basis.

Gilchrist said: "So far, it’s worked out to be the right decision. I feel like I’m progressing with every game. I’m happy here. Promotion is the aim for us and then next season, we’ll see what happens."

There's a lot of football to be played yet, but Palmer believes that the Blades should be targeting a permanent deal for Gilchrist regardless of what division they're in, but a takeover may need to be completed if they're to have any chance of doing so.

Carlton Palmer issues verdict on potential permanent move to Sheffield United for Alfie Gilchrist

Former England international Palmer has liked what he's seen from Gilchrist so far at Bramall Lane, and believes that Wilder would have been impressed with his commitment and desire to play football.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: “It’s always nice when a player comes to a club and hints that he would like to stay further.

"Alfie Gilchrist has done fantastically well on loan at Sheffield United from Chelsea this season and has hinted that he would be interested in signing for the Blades if they’re promoted to the Premier League next season.

“If they’re promoted, or if they’re not promoted, I think it would be a fantastic signing for Alfie to come to Sheffield United and brilliant for the club to have him.

“Regardless, I think he’s a very versatile young defender, he can play at full-back and centre-back, and he’s useful in a variety of different systems that I think Chris would like to adopt and play.

“It would be a no-brainer for Chris, and he’ll just be concentrating on getting promoted this season, but it’s great when a player comes to the club, enjoys the football and enjoys the atmosphere, and I’m not just saying this because I know Chris Wilder, but you’d run through a brick wall for him, and that’s what he wants.

“He wants players who want to play football and who want to win. He’s a 20-year-old, so it’s an absolute no-brainer for him.

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens at the end of the season. As I said earlier, I fully fancy Sheffield United to go up in the automatic promotion places and what would help them is this takeover happening sooner rather than later, so Chris can add to his squad.

“That would be fantastic, and it doesn’t matter whether they’re in the Premier League or the Championship, it would still be a fantastic signing.”

Gilchrist enjoyed a real breakthrough season with Chelsea last season under Mauricio Pochettino, but his exit and Enzo Maresca's arrival meant that he was deemed surplus to requirements and made available for loan.

There's no denying that Gilchrist is a talented player, but Chelsea's improved form, the change of manager and their huge squad means it could be difficult for the 20-year-old to get meaningful game time under his belt in the next couple of seasons.

If the Blades are promoted, Gilchrist could become a regular in the Premier League, and that would surely make more sense than being down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and struggling for minutes.

Even if Sheffield United don't win promotion, a permanent switch to Bramall Lane could actually be more beneficial than not playing at Chelsea, but it will likely depend on whether the Blades' takeover is completed and whether they have the funds available.