Key Ruben Selles factor highlighted as route to Sheffield United, Oli McBurnie transfer reunion | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has been discussing the possible Bramall Lane return of Oli McBurnie.

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 are embarking on a new era ahead of next season under Ruben Selles, and playstyle changes are expected to be made from that of his predecessor, Chris Wilder.

Despite this, the Blades are still in the race to sign free agent Oli McBurnie, after he departed Las Palmas after the Spanish side were relegated from La Liga this past season.

Sheffield United's striker position is more than saturated going into the summer transfer window, with Tom Cannon, Tyrese Campbell, and Kieffer Moore all contracted to the club, and Rhian Brewster's future is still uncertain, with the 25-year-old yet to sign a new contract at the club.

Therefore, FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy (aka Blades Ramble), feels that a reunion with their former record signing should only take place depending on how Selles looks to set his club up next season.

Sheffield United, Oli McBurnie transfer claim made

Jimmy believes that Sheffield United should only pursue McBurnie if Selles opts to play with two out-and-out strikers next season, a decision which would depend on the squad he is given to work with at Bramall Lane.

"I think there's still a chance that Oli McBurnie comes back to Sheffield United," he said. "In terms of playing under a Ruben Selles style, that remains to be seen.

"We've seen Selles play different formations at Hull City and Reading to adapt to the different squads he's been given.

"So I think if he were to bring in a player like McBurnie, which I don't think will happen if I'm completely honest, he's the type of signing we'd be looking at making."

This type of striker is one which Jimmy described as a "supplementary striker," someone who wouldn't be expected to play many minutes in a side already spoiled for choice in the 'number nine' position.

"If we stick to one up front, we've got plenty of good strikers for the level in Tom Cannon, Tyrese Campbell and Kieffer Moore. But if we move to two up top, then there's a much greater chance that we will need four strikers for rotation.

"What we would need is a supplementary striker who we wouldn't expect to be number one or number two. He'd be an option for third or fourth choice - and that is Oli McBurnie.

"After spending £10 million on Tom Cannon, he'd certainly be first choice or at least very close behind, so I don't think we'd make a statement signing at striker.

"Coming in on a free, I think a signing such as McBurnie would be a smart business decision, in all honesty."

Oli McBurnie could prove to be better than a third or fourth-choice striker

At 29 years old, McBurnie could arguably still bring a lot to any side in the Championship next season.

The Scotsman has played in top-flight seasons for the last two years, both in Spain with Las Palmas, and England with Sheffield United, and still chipped in with goals and assists, and provided a physical threat throughout.

Earlier in his career, McBurnie was one of the more dangerous goalscorers in the Championship, which prompted Sheffield United to break their club record to sign him for £20 million.

That's not to say he couldn't earn his way into the starting eleven for Sheffield United next season if he were brought in primarily to be a squad player, but perhaps a club where he'd be guaranteed starts immediately may prove to be a more attractive offer than the Blades.

A whole host of Championship sides are said to be interested in McBurnie, including fellow former side Swansea City.

Therefore, the 29-year-old may find himself back in the second tier next term, but perhaps not for Sheffield United.