Sheffield United must eye Wolves transfer as Birmingham City truth emerges | OneFootball

Sheffield United could be in the market for a new midfielder this summer, and a return to Bramall Lane for Tommy Doyle from Wolves would be a coup.

Sheffield United are expected to be very busy in the summer window, as Chris Wilder tries to build a team that can win promotion to the Premier League following a disappointing campaign.

There will be different views on where the Blades need to strengthen, but it seems likely that a major overhaul will take place, so it would be no surprise if Wilder is looking at targets in all areas of the pitch.

Even with the likes of Sydie Peck, Ollie Arblaster, Joe Rothwell and Jairo Riedewald at Bramall Lane, a new midfielder could be on the radar, with another move for Kalvin Phillips believed to be a potential option for Sheffield United.

However, a deal for the Man City man won’t be straightforward, as they would have to subsidise a significant percentage of his wages, so plenty of negotiations would be required.

The Blades had also been linked with Marc Leonard, after Wilder had been pictured watching Hearts take on Rangers, but reports have stated the Birmingham man isn’t on their radar.

Sheffield United must push for Tommy Doyle reunion amid Wolves uncertainty

Clearly, it’s not going to be about just signing anyone for Sheffield United, because they are well-stocked for options in the middle of the park.

So, even if Peck leaves, as could be a possibility, it will be a case of identifying a quality operator to come in, as opposed to just beefing up the squad.

And, one man who could be an upgrade on what they have, and who Sheffield United know very well, is Tommy Doyle.

The 24-year-old is contracted to Wolves, but he spent this season on loan at Birmingham, who would’ve made the move permanent if they had won promotion.

Doyle made 38 appearances in royal blue, but he didn’t get the number of starts he would’ve wanted, so a return to St. Andrew’s isn’t expected.

Of course, Wolves’ relegation means they’re expected to look at Doyle, and he is training with Rob Edwards’ side over the final weeks of the Premier League season, even though he won’t be able to play.

But, there will still be doubts about his long-term future, as the situation at Molineux is complicated.

Firstly, Edwards is coming under increasing pressure from the fans, so there’s no guarantee he will still be in charge next season, and a new manager could change things for every player, including Doyle.

Furthermore, Wolves will expect to spend big on midfielders in the summer. With Andre and Joao Gomes certain to leave, a chunk of the budget will go on replacing the Brazilian duo, and there’s a very real chance Doyle could find himself down the pecking order again.

As with any relegated club, Wanderers will also have to look at the financial aspect. Doyle has a contract that runs until 2028, although they do have a two-year option, but it would appear this summer could be the best time to get a decent fee for the player if they don’t want to trigger that.

Tommy Doyle would add technical quality to Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United side

So, there could be an opportunity for Sheffield United to strike, and Doyle would bring qualities to Wilder’s side that they may lack moving forward.

With Gustavo Hamer likely to move on, there could be a real lack of technical ability in the team.

Obviously, Doyle doesn’t play in as advanced a role as the ex-Coventry man, but there are similarities in the way he can get on the ball.

He is capable of switching play quickly, he can help control the tempo, and he is willing to take the ball in areas that other Blades players may be reluctant to. Plus, he also provides excellent delivery from a set-play.

Sheffield United fans know this first hand, as Doyle played his part for Paul Heckingbottom’s side as they won promotion to the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, so they know just how good he can be.

Since then, Doyle’s career hasn’t taken off in the way he may have hoped, but he is still young, and he will be eager to prove a point.

If he can’t get the regular minutes he will want at Wolves, Doyle may push for a move, and a return to Yorkshire could be just what the player and Sheffield United need as Wilder looks to freshen up his squad during this crucial transfer window.