Sheffield United backed to strike 'statement' Kalvin Phillips deal - but one big issue raised | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on whether the club should sign Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips again this summer.

It is fair to say it has been a disappointing second half of the season for Sheffield United in the Championship.

After a nightmare start to the season under Ruben Selles, Sheffield United began to climb the table after Chris Wilder returned for a third spell in charge in September, which led to talk of a potential play-off push at Bramall Lane.

However, after a 1-0 defeat at Bristol City on Easter Monday that extended their winless run to six games, the Blades' top six hopes are effectively over, with Wilder's men currently sitting 15 points from the play-off places with just five games remaining.

After the loss at Ashton Gate, Wilder warned his players that he will be making "a lot of changes" to his squad this summer after United's underwhelming season, and one of the biggest decisions he faces will be whether to re-sign Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips.

Having fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium, Phillips joined the Blades on loan in January, but he has made just three appearances for the club so far, the last of which came in late February when he was sent off in the Steel City derby victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

United are hopeful that Phillips will be able to return from a knee injury before the end of the season, but despite his limited game time, The Star claim that the club will "explore the possibility" of bringing the 30-year-old back to South Yorkshire this summer, with the player believed to be keen on a fresh loan deal.

Sheffield United told to make Kalvin Phillips move as potential issue outlined

When asked for his thoughts on a potential return for Phillips this summer, FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from the YouTube channel Blades Ramble, insisted it would be a big statement of intent from the Blades to sign the former England international for a second time, but he admitted that he has concerns over his fitness.

"It's a huge statement signing," Jimmy told FLW.

"I would love Kalvin Phillips to be part of the Sheffield United squad because I think it shows ambition from the club.

"It shows that we're still an attractive club at the level, despite having no parachute payments.

"It obviously shows that Chris Wilder is still a big pull at the level as well.

"The only concern I would have is that he's obviously going to be a very high earner, and it's his fitness.

"It's not the quality of player that I'm worried about, it's about how can we keep him fit?

"He's out until the end of the season with an injury, or he may come back just for the last game or two.

"He's not played a lot of football, and it makes you wonder how robust he's going to be.

"The main focus for Sheffield United moving into next season has got to be having players that are robust, we've had so many injuries.

"Players like Tom Davies I anticipate will go this summer because, despite him being such a good player, he can't stay fit, so it's more unfortunate than anything else.

"Kalvin Phillips at Championship level would be a really strong asset for any side, so I'd definitely take him, but it doesn't come without a couple of concerns."

Sheffield United and Chris Wilder should be cautious over Kalvin Phillips return

There is no doubt that re-signing Phillips would be an eye-catching move by Sheffield United, but Wilder must carefully consider whether bringing him back to Bramall Lane would be the right decision.

Phillips has struggled to produce his best form since leaving Leeds United almost four years ago, and having made just three appearances during his loan spell with the Blades so far, it seems he is still being plagued by injury issues.

If Wilder can help Phillips reignite his career, he could certainly be a key player for United next season, but striking another loan deal would be a big gamble, particularly as the club would likely have to contribute a significant amount of the estimated £45,000-a-week salary he earns at Man City.