Sheffield United: Sydie Peck 'bidding war' claim dropped as West Ham circle | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit doesn't think that Sydie Peck will move to West Ham, but he does believe that the interest will be a good thing

With Sheffield United set to begin their first Championship campaign without Premier League parachute payments for the first time since 2018/19, there are bound to be high-profile exits.

Some of the Blades' more saleable assets will be susceptible to offers that Chris Wilder's side may be unable to knock back, despite their likely reluctance.

At the top of that list will most definitely be Sydie Peck, who has emerged as one of the Championship's brightest young stars at the heart of the Sheffield United midfield over the past couple of seasons.

The 21-year-old had made just three senior appearances ahead of the Blades' return to the second tier in 2024, but has missed just eight league outings in the last two terms, and wore the captain's armband at times, too.

The former Arsenal academy man has been touted for a return to the capital, with recently-relegated West Ham interested, per the Athletic, alongside Premier League clubs Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

Sheffield United fan pundit thinks West Ham interest will start a bidding war they won't win

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With West Ham in receipt of parachute payments, plus the money they're likely to recoup for departing midfielder Mateus Fernandes, reported at potentially £80 million, a move for Peck may not be out of the realms of possibility.

But, Jimmy, the host of the Blades Ramble and FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit, can't see a divisional switch taking place, believing that the Premier League is in Peck's future.

"I don't think we lose Peck to West Ham, but I do think there's a big chance that he goes this summer," the fan pundit admitted.

"But, this could spark interest, or start a bidding war, if you like, and that's what we need as a club. If we are going to sell out better players, we need to get the highest price possible."

Indeed, Jimmy believes that the interest from the Hammers could prompt some of the top-flight clubs to not only come in with a bid, but offer more and more money, maximising the amount the Blades can receive for the 21-year-old's services.

The fan pundit, therefore, feels that Premier League clubs will have more to spend on Peck than West Ham, and he touts Brentford as a potential destination.

"We know that Premier League clubs are interested in Peck. He's a London boy, so the West Ham links do make sense, but we've got quite close links with Brentford, and I do think that they're the most likely destination if they are interested," he continued.

"Hopefully, the fact that multiple clubs will be interested will push the price up."

A Sydie Peck bidding war would be perfect for Sheffield United this summer

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Peck arrived at the club aged 16, and he's progressed through the academy and into the first team, meaning that any fee the Blades will receive will be pure profit.

The 21-year-old still has two years remaining on his Sheffield United deal, so while the South Yorkshire side likely need to raise funds this summer, they'll hold all the cards on a potential deal, allowing them to maximise the profit they can make.

Having numerous top-level clubs interested in the midfielder will help with that, and the fact that the Englishman has plenty of potential, which he has yet to realise, means the Blades will be able to use that to truly squeeze as much money out of anyone who registers interest.

Then, Sheffield United can use that to invest, either in a replacement or elsewhere, as they aim to start a lot quicker than last season and finish in the newly revamped play-offs at a minimum.

The longer that the Blades remain in the second tier, the less chance they have to keep these assets, though. They'll be sad to lose Peck, but this seemingly imminent departure will definitely spur the club on in a promotion battle, as they won't want to lose any more of their exciting young stars.