Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit tips Sheffield United for "inevitable" Gus Hamer blow as Everton & Leeds United lurk | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie told FLW that he expects Sheffield United to sell Gus Hamer in the transfer window after they failed to go up.

Lee Hendrie expects Gus Hamer to leave Sheffield United this summer after they failed to win promotion back to the Premier League.

The Blades were firmly in the mix for automatic promotion before a later stutter meant they missed out to Burnley and Leeds, whilst Chris Wilder’s men then suffered play-off heartbreak as they were beaten by a stoppage time goal against Sunderland.

So, another year in the Championship awaits, and it means a difficult summer is in store for Sheffield United as they deal with the financial implications of not returning to the top division.

Gus Hamer attracting Premier League transfer interest following play-off final loss

Unsurprisingly, the rumours have started, with reports claiming that Leeds and Everton are tracking Hamer after his outstanding individual campaign.

The 27-year-old was named Championship Player of the Year after scoring ten goals and registering eight assists, so there was always going to be interest in the ex-Coventry man.

And, when asked by FLW whether Hamer is likely to move on rather than spend another year at Bramall Lane, pundit Hendrie exclusively revealed he feels a transfer is on the cards.

“He is always heavily linked because of what he has done," Hendrie told FLW.

"Going from Coventry to Sheffield United, he had a taste of the Premier League, and he was one of their key players, being named as Championship Player of the Year.

“If they could keep him, it would be fantastic for the football club, but I think he will go in the summer. I think someone will prise him from Sheffield United.

"This is the problem for them. They’ve got some good players, and they’ve recruited well in the past few seasons, but when you don’t get promoted, the inevitable happens.

“These players are in the Championship for another season, and when you get linked, which Hamer will do, I think that will be his last season in a Blades shirt, which is unfortunate as they’re a fantastic club and he has been brilliant for them.”

Sheffield United must stand firm on Gus Hamer valuation

Most would agree that Hamer is likely to move on, as he is someone with the ability to play at a higher level.

The Blades would have understood that missing out on promotion would prevent them from retaining their star men, and Hamer obviously falls into that category.

So, the main priority will be getting a fee that reflects his talent, and that money will be crucial to Wilder and the recruitment team as they look to bring in new players this summer.