Sheffield United ‘to consider’ deadline-day loan for Sunderland defender Leo Hjelde | OneFootball

Sheffield United are considering a deadline-day loan move for Sunderland defender Leo Hjelde, The Star reports.

Sunderland have been trimming their squad this month, and further exits are possible before Monday’s 7pm deadline.

Hjelde began the season injured but is now fit. He has made several matchday squads yet is still to feature this term. He played 19 times last season and can operate at left-back or centrally.

United need cover at left-back after Sam McCallum’s serious injury in Saturday’s draw with Millwall. He was stretchered off after lengthy treatment, including gas and air, and Chris Wilder suggested his season could be over. If so, Harrison Burrows would be the only senior left-sided defender.

Before that setback, recruitment had focused on centre-backs after United lost Ben Godfrey and Nils Zatterstrom earlier in the window. The report says priorities have now shifted and Hjelde is under consideration.

United have already missed out on Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, who joined Ipswich Town on loan last week. The report added there is an expectation on Wearside that Hjelde would be allowed to leave on loan before the deadline. Sunderland have also moved out Arthur Masuaku, Aji Alese, Timothee Pembele and Joe Anderson this month, with all but Anderson departing on loan.

Source: Sunderland Echo