Sheffield United tipped to "struggle" with Coventry City deal after recent Bobby Thomas reveal | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on the club's pursuit of Bobby Thomas

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…

Sheffield United have made an offer to sign Bobby Thomas from Coventry City this summer.

It was reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke last week that a bid worth £8 million was submitted for the centre-back.

However, he has since claimed that both Brentford and former side Burnley are weighing up offers for the 24-year-old.

Thomas has a contract with Coventry until the summer of 2027, while Sheffield United are also closing in on the signing of defender Nils Zatterstrom from Malmö.

Sheffield United issued Bobby Thomas transfer warning

When asked if Thomas is a realistic signing now, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from Blades Ramble, warned that it will be difficult to pull it off.

He believes Burnley and Brentford will have an edge in the race to his signature, suggesting free agent Ben Mee as a target worth pursuing instead.

“I think we’ll struggle,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“I don’t think it was anywhere near £8 million when we were originally interested, but the additional interest, particularly from Premier League sides, will ramp up the price.

“And I tend to think that will make us back away.

“I don’t think we’ll meet the increased price tag.

“I think we’re trying to be cautious in our spending and, truth be told, I don’t think we can compete with Burnley and Brentford, certainly in status, but also in wages at the moment.

“So, if it’s true that they’re both in for him, I think that’ll be us out of the race.

“I’m pleased with the [Nils] Zatterstrom signing. I think that’s probably one for the future, but we may have to throw him in early.

“Ben Mee would be a really good signing for now, but he needs to get up to speed quickly because (he's had) no pre-season, no match fitness at all.

“But we need leaders, we need characters, we need strong characters who can build the dressing room and help us when our heads are dropping, like they are currently, someone to pick ourselves up.

“We’ve no real characters in the dressing room at the moment, which is the huge concern.

“So Ben Mee would be a welcome addition also.”

Up next for Sheffield United is a home clash against Millwall on 23 August in a 3pm kick-off.

Sheffield United will struggle to compete with Premier League interest in Bobby Thomas

Thomas attracting Premier League interest from Burnley and Brentford is a big dent in the Blades’ pursuit of the defender.

Coventry are unlikely to want to sell to a Championship rival at this stage, and they still hold plenty of leverage due to the player’s contract situation.

A move to the top flight will be tempting for Thomas, particularly if he is given assurances of game time.

With how little time is left in the window, and how necessary a new defender is at Bramall Lane, it might be best for Sheffield United to move on quickly to alternative targets.