Sheffield United transfer fear raised as top-flight club plot late raid - 'money talks' | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his reaction to reports that Belgian side Club Brugge are interested in winger Andre Brooks.

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 could be facing a battle to hold on to midfielder Andre Brooks ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.

Brooks came through the Sheffield United academy, and after becoming increasingly involved with the senior squad over the past few years, he has cemented his place in the starting line-up this season.

The 22-year-old scored his second goal of the season in the Blades' 3-1 win over Ipswich Town at Bramall Lane on Saturday, while he has also provided four assists in 26 appearances in all competitions this campaign as he continues to make a name for himself in S2.

However, United may be set to lose Brooks before the end of the transfer window, with journalist Sacha Tavolieri reporting that Belgian side Club Brugge have "shown interest" in the midfielder and have "approached" the South Yorkshire outfit over a potential deal.

The Blades are said to be keen to keep hold of Brooks, but discussions are reportedly ongoing between the two clubs, and Tavolieri has described the situation as "one to watch" in the final days of the transfer window, suggesting a move could still be on the cards.

Sheffield United reaction given to Andre Brooks, Club Brugge talk as Bramall Lane exit predicted

When asked for his thoughts on the rumours regarding Brooks, FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from the YouTube channel Blades Ramble, insisted he would like him to remain at Bramall Lane, but he admitted the Blades could be vulnerable to losing some of their younger stars if they fail to win promotion this season.

"Andre Brooks has had his breakout season at Sheffield United, I think it's fair to say," Jimmy told FLW.

"Consistency is still an issue, but, on the whole, he's been fantastic for us this season and would be a big, big loss.

"Having said that, every player is for sale at the right price, and that's just the reality we have to face.

"We lose our parachute payments next season, so we've got to be sensible as a club.

"We'll definitely be losing one of our prized assets in the summer if we don't get promoted.

"Whether that be Andre Brooks, Sydie Peck, Ollie Arblaster or Femi Seriki, one of these players will more than likely leave the club, and we have to do what's best for the long-term future of the club.

"I would be sad to see Andre Brooks go just when he's becoming a real player for Sheffield United, but we may not have much of a say in it, unfortunately.

"I hope he stays, but money talks."

Sheffield United should take firm Andre Brooks stance amid Club Brugge interest

Club Brugge reached the Champions League play-offs after a 3-0 win over Marseille on Wednesday night, while they are still firmly in contention for the Belgian Pro League title, so a move to the Jan Breydel Stadium could appeal to Brooks.

However, Sheffield United will no doubt be reluctant to lose Brooks, particularly at such a late stage of the transfer window, and they must keep hold of all of their key players if they are to have any chance of making up the nine-point gap to the top six.

Not only would retaining Brooks increase the Blades' promotion chances, but if he continues to impress in the second half of the season, they may be able to demand a significantly higher fee for him in the summer should they be forced to cash in.