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FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit has issued his thoughts on the Blades being linked with Wigan Athletic shot-stopper Sam Tickle.

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…

The feel-good factor appears to be back at Sheffield United after an upturn in form.

Chris Wilder’s men have propelled themselves outside the Championship dropzone by winning four games on the spin, most recently blitzing high-flying Stoke City 4-0 at Bramall Lane last weekend.

This Blades team looks to be getting back to its best, showcasing the quality and ruthlessness in the final third that saw the Yorkshire outfit reach the play-off final last term.

A charge for promotion certainly isn’t out of the question either, with Sheffield United sitting just eight points away from the top six heading into the latest round of midweek fixtures.

In order to keep this upwards trajectory going, the January transfer window may be a defining period in the red half of the Steel City, with areas of the Blades squad needing to be bolstered ahead of a relentless second half of the campaign.

A change may have to be made between the sticks too, with current Blades number one Michael Cooper continuing to be linked with a move away from Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United are expecting the ex-Plymouth Argyle shot-stopper to be in demand at the turn of the new year after being touted in the summer with moves to top-flight outfits Everton, West Ham and Burnley, so the Blades are reportedly keeping tabs over Wigan Athletic ace Sam Tickle.

The 23-year-old had been previously mooted for a switch to Premier League title challengers Arsenal in the summer, so it could be quite the coup for the Blades to pick up should Cooper depart the Blades.

With this news in mind, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit has commented on whether he would welcome a move for Tickle if Cooper was to wave goodbye to the Sheffield United faithful.

Sam Tickle described as the “ideal replacement” in the event of Michael Cooper exit

Speaking to Football League World, Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy (AKA Blades Ramble) believes Sam Tickle would be the “ideal replacement” if Michael Cooper was to leave Sheffield United in January.

Jimmy also earmarked Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson on a loan deal should Cooper remain in the Steel City, as the current Blades number one is currently struggling with an injury issue and may need some time away to get fully fit.

Jimmy said: “Yeah, I think if we were to lose Michael Cooper, which I don’t anticipate, to be honest, then Sam Tickle would be an ideal replacement, I would say. He’s obviously a cheaper alternative, but a very good young goalkeeper.

“I really like Michael Cooper. I’m a huge fan of his. Michael Cooper seems to be struggling with some type of injury at the moment and if that is the case, then he has to take some time out. I would like to see us go for a loan goalkeeper in January. Somebody like Anthony Patterson at Sunderland would be ideal to come in and fill the void for four, six or eight-week period while we get Michael Cooper seen to.

“I think he (Cooper) will stay with Sheffield United. I’m confident of that. He hasn’t had the best of starts to this season and hopefully that may work for us in a roundabout way by putting some teams off, but we’ll see what happens.

“I think if we do lose Cooper then Tickle is certainly a very good replacement if that was to happen.”

Sheffield United must try to hold onto Michael Cooper beyond January, but Sam Tickle may be the long-term option

Michael Cooper has proven himself to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the Championship, and given Sheffield United are on such a run of impressive form, it would be disappointing for the club to lose one of their prized assets and risk the defensive line becoming disjointed.

If Sam Tickle was to come in at the turn of the year, there would be immense pressure on his shoulders to deliver immediately, with the club needing a reliable figure to fill some rather big boots and help the team to continue to push up the table.

As far as Anthony Patterson is concerned, it’s unknown yet whether Sunderland would entertain an exit. Patterson has lost his place following the Black Cats' promotion to the top-flight, but he is still their number two, and would need to be called upon should an injury occur to Robin Roefs, so you would imagine they would like to keep that cover in place.

Because of this, the Blades should be doing all they can to hold onto Cooper for the remainder of the season at least. If he can maintain his solid performances up until May, but the club doesn’t reach the promised land of the Premier League, then Cooper will be justified to move onto greener pastures.

This would allow someone like Tickle to have a full season under his belt and have the time to step into one of the biggest roles of his career, so for all parties, the club should be waiting until the following summer before considering a change between the posts.