Sheffield United should hijack £4.5m Preston agreement if Gus Hamer leaves | OneFootball

Gus Hamer could leave Sheffield United this summer but the perfect replacement could be a Preston North End £4.5 million transfer hijack...

There is a growing sense that this summer could mark the end of an era at Sheffield United, with Gus Hamer widely expected to attract significant interest. Preston North End have a player who could be their answer, too.

Losing a player of Gus Hamer's quality would undoubtedly leave a creative void, but it could also present an opportunity for the Blades to reshape their attacking structure and to rejuvenate it with a longer-term vision in mind.

With no parachute payments to fall back on from next season, Sheffield United will need to be smart. That requires being proactive and forward-thinking in the market. Cashing in on Hamer, entering the final year of his contract, would generate valuable funds at Bramall Lane.

Should they do that, reinvesting a portion of that into emerging talent could prove to be the most logical and sensible route for Chris Wilder. That’s where Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Alfie Devine enters the conversation alongside Preston North End.

Sheffield United should rival Preston for Spurs' Alfie Devine

Currently on the books at Spurs, Devine has had a number of loans in his career already. This year, he has really kicked on in his development and made a real impression during his time in the Championship. His technical quality was never in question but he now has the end product to match his talent.

Combining both on a consistent basis is rare for a player of his age, which didn't always look like being the case after loans in the Championship and League One with Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle, scoring or assisting just eight goals in 41 games.

With eight goals and four assists in 41 Championship appearances to his name, he has finally demonstrated an ability to influence games consistently in the final third. He has predominantly been operating effectively as a number 10, but can play as a number eight or on the flank.

He has 13 goal involvements in 44 games overall as a 21-year-old playing for a side in the bottom half of the division. That is exciting and highlights a player who should only continue to improve at this level from here. PNE do hold an option to sign Devine for £4.5 million in the summer, but there are several caveats that make that deal far from straightforward.

Firstly, it is understood Devine must agree to the move. Being from nearby Warrington, he may be keen on a return to familiar surroundings, but he also might fancy his chances at a club higher up the league. Also, such a fee would shatter Preston's transfer record.

For them, that makes it a significant financial commitment. Of course, he would have resale value and be able to sell for more in years to come, but that does not mean they will commit so much of their summer budget to one player.

As stated, even if they are willing to meet that figure, there is no guarantee the player himself would be keen. That is particularly if other opportunities arise with his parent club or with a side like Sheffield United instead.

That uncertainty could open the door for the Blades to position themselves as serious contenders. However, relegation also remains a real possibility for Spurs, and should that scenario unfold, a shift in strategy could see them reconsider Devine's position in the first-team and Devine's chances would surely improve with Spurs too.

They could persuade him to remain a part of their Championship plans, but he could be keen on a different opportunity entirely to both Tottenham and Preston.

Why Spurs' Alfie Devine could fit perfectly with Sheffield United

From a tactical standpoint, Devine could be an ideal fit at Bramall Lane. His ability to receive between the lines, carry and advance the ball, and contribute in attacking areas would make him somewhat of a successor to Hamer in the number 10 role.

Securing him, in turn, could allow Callum O'Hare to drift out towards the left instead. Both O'Hare and Hamer have been standout players this term and they add fluidity and unpredictability to Wilder's forward line. Overall, it would also represent a conscious effort to rejuvenate the squad.

While Hamer has been instrumental, there is an argument that moving towards a younger and more dynamic attacking unit could benefit the Blades in the long-term. Hamer is out of contract in a year, which is why cashing in could see Devine step in and fit that younger profile as a replacement perfectly.

He has a nice blend of proven and improving Championship output, whilst also being a player young enough to go up a level or two to reach their potential. Of course, much hinges on Hamer’s future and the stances of both Preston and Spurs, though.

On paper, this is exactly the kind of market opportunity Sheffield United should be alive to. If the conditions align, hijacking Preston’s long-term agreement could prove to be an inspired move for Wilder and co.