Sheffield United told to seal Cardiff City transfer swoop - Bluebirds star would 'be a strong addition' | OneFootball

FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit has commented on the Blades being linked with a move for Cardiff City’s Cian Ashford.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United will be hopeful that they won’t be slipping down the Championship table in the coming weeks after suffering back-to-back defeats in all competitions.

The Blades were dumped out of the FA Cup by third-tier opposition in Mansfield Town in a 4-3 defeat over a week ago, while the Yorkshire outfit also suffered a loss on the road as they returned to second-tier action, going down 1-0 to Charlton Athletic last weekend.

Chris Wilder’s men were badly hampered at The Valley after going down to nine men before the end of the first half, as Djibril Soumare and Japhet Tanganga both received their marching orders.

Sonny Carey’s 46th minute strike was enough to settle the contest, with Sheffield United now 17th in the second-tier standings and only five points off the bottom three.

They will be hopeful of seeing an upturn in their form when they travel to the South Coast to face Southampton on Wednesday evening, with the Saints struggling for form since appointing Tonda Eckert into the permanent hotseat at St Mary's.

Another way Sheffield United can sustain a push up the Championship table is through their recruitment during the January transfer window, with incomings crucial to adding depth and quality into certain areas of the squad that desperately need it.

And the Blades have been tipped to add to their attacking department, with Cardiff City winger Cian Ashford touted for a switch to Bramall Lane.

As per WalesOnline, it has been outlined that Sheffield United are admirers of the 21-year-old, with the Blades seemingly reigniting their interest after Ashford was highly spoken of by ex-Blades manager Ruben Selles in August last year.

It was also revealed by journalist Darren Witcoop last summer that the Blades were interested in the Welshman during the 2024-25 January window, but the Bluebirds had no intention of cashing in then and insisted that Ashford wasn’t for sale.

But a move to Sheffield United could now end up materialising, although it hasn’t been documented whether the Blades will consider making a move this month or the coming summer.

With this in mind, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit has commented on whether he would like to see the Blades lure Ashford to Bramall Lane during the current January transfer window.

Speaking to Football League World, Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy (AKA Blades Ramble) believes Cian Ashford’s versatility to play across the forward line would make him a “strong addition” to the Sheffield United squad, should he eventually make a move to the Steel City.

Jimmy told FLW: “Cian Ashford, yeah, a really good prospect. Obviously, we’ve been linked with him previously, so some Blades will likely be aware of him and would have had a little look at him.

“He did play against us in the cup last season and played really well, was very lively, can play on the wing, which is something that we need, but I think he can also play across the front really, so flexible as well.

“I like it, I like it as a signing, going for Cardiff, who are a very strong side at League One level, I don’t mind it at all.

"Whether it happens now or at the end of the season, we’ll have to wait and see. If it’s going to happen at all, but I think he’d be a strong addition to United.”

Sheffield United would be getting a player on the rise if they can secure capture of Cian Ashford

Cian Ashford is a player with so much talent who can go right to the top of the game, and his impact in League One for Cardiff City at such a young age is certainly proving that.

As per FotMob, Ashford has notched three goals and two assists so far this campaign, while he has been one of their main creative outlets by creating 16 chances in 22 appearances for the Bluebirds.

He also isn’t fearful of taking on the responsibility of shooting, having 27 efforts at goal, but he will be slightly disappointed that it hasn’t resulted in more shots finding the back of the net.

Meanwhile, the young Welshman’s versatility will be a real bonus to the Blades. Comfortable on either foot and flank, he can also play in attacking midfield, where his ball-carrying quality offers a huge boost to Cardiff currently.

Ashford also has the ability to take on opposing full-backs with his sharp speed, directness and risk-taking, allowing supporters to get out of their seats through the excitement he provides on the ball.

He has also tasted some Championship game-time with Cardiff last term as they suffered relegation from the second-tier, so Ashford will surely be very keen on getting back to that level and testing himself in a side that is expected to be pushing towards the top end of the division, despite their unexpected struggles this term.

While it may well be viewed as a gamble of a signing, the long-term investment could pay dividends very quickly, with the Championship a growing hub for young players to make their marks and transform into top-flight assets.