Sheffield United could mount a last-minute swoop to sign Barnsley star Reyes Cleary following the sanctioning of Callum O’Hare’s exit to Wrexham.
The Blades are poised to pick up a reported £7 million for the former Coventry City midfielder, with Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph confirming that the 28-year-old is set to undergo a medical this morning.
Cleary Deal Touted
United could make a late scramble to try and find a new attacking reinforcement before the 11 pm deadline, with the Sheffield Star revealing that Reyes Cleary is on the radar of some figures at the club during the final stages of the transfer window.
The winger has been a long-standing target for Championship clubs across the summer, but no side has been able to reach an agreement with Barnsley for his signature, with a bid of at least £3 million rejected by the Tykes earlier this month.
He has had a strong start to the season at Oakwell with two goals and two assists to his name across all competitions, having played in a slightly more advanced role amid the search for extra striking options for Daniel Stendel.
United have been somewhat reluctant to pay fees during the latter stages of the window, with Chris Wilder stating that the club would only scour the free agent and loan markets to round out their business.
The Star also notes that it is unclear as to how much of the fee they receive for O’Hare will be allowed to be reinvested back into the squad, with the club also preparing for a match against Bolton Wanderers, which finishes just over an hour before the transfer deadline.
Can Sheffield United Get Deal Done?
With just hours remaining in the window and now a big hole in their creative force in the wake of Callum O’Hare’s exit, Sheffield United now need to make a massive push if they are to recruit anyone else before it is too late.
Reyes Cleary could be the ideal option to take over and become a playmaker at Bramall Lane following O’Hare and Gus Hamer’s exits, but with Barnsley playing hardball throughout the window, and a self-imposed transfer restriction, it does seem like an audacious ask.
Whether Chris Wilder is allowed to reinvest the transfer fee he has picked up from Wrexham may be the key hinge as to whether a Cleary deal is even feasible, and if so they will have to act fast.
Barnsley have already done some prior business in case of a Cleary exit, with Australian Clayton Taylor brought in as a left winger and Luke Alker promoted to a first-team spot following his Alfreton Town spell.
The Tykes are surely unlikely to let go of their star player so late into the window though, so this may have to be a move that the Blades revisit in January, or scramble to find an alternative before the window shuts.
