Looks like he is definitely leaving Sheff Utd in Summer. The nearest I have seen to Arfield in style and the way he plays the game. Can play anywhere in midfield but would slot in to wide right really well. Athletic, energetic player who can chip in with some goals. For me if we tied him up now on a free transfer it would show we mean business and we could let Brady go

Linked with Palace today as was Conor Gallagher.

He’s gone from being idolised to pilloried by the Sheff United fans. I don’t know much about him before last season, did he look a very good player then, or could we be looking at someone that had one decent season?

If his form this season is related to his contract, that doesn’t suggest the best of characters.

DCWat wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 10, 2021 5:00 pm

He’s gone from being idolised to pilloried by the Sheff United fans. I don’t know much about him before last season, did he look a very good player then, or could we be looking at someone that had one decent season?

If his form this season is related to his contract, that doesn’t suggest the best of characters.

Definitely looked good last season, been known for a while that he wasn’t signing a new deal and has had a patchy season this year, but you could say that about most of Sheffield Utd's team. On last seasons form you would say most definitely.

Yes definitely tough tackler, good on the ball and can score the odd goal
I said last year Connor Gallagher looked a good signing but we have had our fingers burnt with poor Chelsea loanees Chalobah,Bamford.Drinkwater and we decided to stay clear.

Did look a good player last season. I'd take no notice of the Blades' fans criticising him though, everyone has been getting that from them this season. They are going to be a few players down come the end of this season and almost certainly will be looking for a new manager.

Lundstram was one of their success stories in 2019/20.

For me we need specialised wingers rather than a utility
Player to replace Brady. I’m all for utility players mind you to change personnel and shape for different opponents and I do believe he’d be good for us.

I’d rather see us get a more creative central midfielder in though to compliment what we already have . Stephens can go for me to free up room for another. Providing we stay up of course but I think this summer will have to be busy !

Dyche would get the best out of him for sure. If another premier league side is interested in him then we will lose out. We simply can’t compete.

DCWat wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 10, 2021 5:00 pm

He’s gone from being idolised to pilloried by the Sheff United fans. I don’t know much about him before last season, did he look a very good player then, or could we be looking at someone that had one decent season?

If his form this season is related to his contract, that doesn’t suggest the best of characters.

You have to assume that if he was a bad egg that Sheff Utd would not make him an offer to become their 5th biggest wage earner. Dyche and Wilder are good pals so all it would take is a call. The fact that Palace are looking at him too is a positive, but also indicates if they are looking at Gallagher too that they are doing their planning now

I would not worry too much about what fans say. When Tarks played hard ball with Brentford their fans would have driven him to Burnley. The Villa fans had no love for Westwood, the Wolves fans made Stephen Ward train away from the first team. Both were cracking acquisitions for us

When your transfer business hovers around ZERO then he would be a first great start in developing our team in Summer, if only for his versatility and proven fitness

Players of that capability wont be coming here
The 6 teams around us will pay double wages

Have you got an article ready to roll Tony.

Steady player, nothing more nothing less, however we dont require our CM to create or score
They're there to break up play and recycle the ball.
Certainly should be in his prime, and could be seen as the longer term replacement of Cork/Westwood.

Cheap too which fits the bill, so could hopefully allow us to spend any dosh we may have on other more key areas.

I just really hope after it now appears RB is sorted for a further 12 months we are going to buy some genuine first team ( challenging ) players.

First choice RW, CB and striker would be my priority. Then back up CM and CB which could be the cheaper options or ones to develop. ( lundstram and Collins/Worrall )

I read an article which stated he is earning £4000 per week. That seems bizarre. No wonder he is off, if 4 not 40.

mentioned on another thread, we need to be out locking down targets early if we are to be successful this year. Easier said than done of course

Will have decided where he was going last season, I’d be amazed if it’s not already ready to go like Hendrick

Lundstram is definitely someone we should be targeting, he ticks a lot of boxes, free transfer, relatively low wages, versatile and notches the odd goal, and crucially for me he's only 27, which by our standards is almost a youngster.

Now we've tied Bards down for another year then RB isn't a priority this summer, so if we could add Lundstram to our midfield options as well, then hopefully any spare cash we will have from the expected departures of Brady, Gibson & sadly Tarks can go towards a RW and a couple of centrebacks, and maybe if we're being greedy a creative type in the middle, we still have the core of a decent PL squad, it just needs a few new additions to complement what we already possess, evolution not revolution as Sean constantly opines.

Do we really need another centre mid? Surely Tarky's replacement and a right midfielder need to be our priorities this summer?

jrgbfc wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:21 pm

Do we really need another centre mid? Surely Tarky's replacement and a right midfielder need to be our priorities this summer?

Well assuming everyone stays we'll have Brownhill, Cork, Stephens and Westwood, now it's fair to say the jury is still out on both Brownhill and Stephens, so that means we're relying on Cork and Westwood going through the entire season injury free, and as we've experienced this season when one of those 2 don't play we've really struggled in the middle of the park, so if Lundstram is available on a free we'd be daft not to at least be considering him.

Yes I agree if we're going to spend money in the summer then it will more than likely be at CB and RW, as those will be the areas we'll need to strengthen most urgently, but SD has shown many times if the right player comes on the market, and they fit our budget, then he's not afraid to get them in the building.

Yes he'd definitely be a fit for us. I'd just hope that Dyche will still be with us if we do make a bid.

Would MUCH prefer Conor Gallagher. He’s class.

I’d be disappointed if we went for him. I know a couple of very reasonable Sheffield United fans and I think he’s one, along with Norwood sadly, who probably isn’t quite up to regular PL standard. And it’s shown this season. It should be mentioned that ‘Lunny’ played very little part in the Blades’ promotion campaign previous to last season. He got an early opportunity after promotion and seized it with both hands, scoring a load of fantasy football points in the process. If he did come here I’d back him to the hilt of course, but I’d like to think we’ll be looking at more
exciting options. Fleck is a better midfielder that would be worth a punt.

jrgbfc wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:21 pm

Do we really need another centre mid? Surely Tarky's replacement and a right midfielder need to be our priorities this summer?

He's played predominantly on the right, particularly last season:

Looks like he's taken a real extra focus on that centre spot this season...

DCWat wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 10, 2021 5:00 pm

He’s gone from being idolised to pilloried by the Sheff United fans. I don’t know much about him before last season, did he look a very good player then, or could we be looking at someone that had one decent season?

If his form this season is related to his contract, that doesn’t suggest the best of characters.

He barely played in their promotion season. Not sure why, I don't think he was injured.

I think we need to be safe before we start looking at other players.

He’d be a good squad player, that’s it.

Hedontplayforyou wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 10, 2021 5:31 pm

For me we need specialised wingers rather than a utility
Player to replace Brady. I’m all for utility players mind you to change personnel and shape for different opponents and I do believe he’d be good for us.

I’d rather see us get a more creative central midfielder in though to compliment what we already have . Stephens can go for me to free up room for another. Providing we stay up of course but I think this summer will have to be busy !

I agree. Lundstrum would basically be like Brownhill, a central midfielder pushed out wide. With 4 central midfielders already at the club and only 3 wingers, 2 of which can't keep fit shows we need an actual winger who can replace Gudmundsson on that side, at least when he's injured.

I'd rather we looked at natural wingers with good work rate. He's a pipe dream but Daniel James would be perfect. Realistically we're probably more likely to look at players like Marc Albrighton instead... Still, those are both players who work well off the ball and naturally play on the wing.

I would disagree with those saying they don't think central midfield is a priority this summer.

If we want to improve it's probably THE key position to enable us to do this. I like the midfielders we currently have but we need to improve on Westwood and Cork if we are to move things forward.

Ball retention, composure and creativity will improve with better players in the middle.

I'm not saying Lundstram is the answer to the above. I see him more as a potential option to play right midfield (of which we need 2x players really). We need better than him for the central berth.

Jakubs Tash wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 10:00 am

I would disagree with those saying they don't think central midfield is a priority this summer.

If we want to improve it's probably THE key position to enable us to do this. I like the midfielders we currently have but we need to improve on Westwood and Cork if we are to move things forward.

Ball retention, composure and creativity will improve with better players in the middle.

I'm not saying Lundstram is the answer to the above. I see him more as a potential option to play right midfield (of which we need 2x players really). We need better than him for the central berth.

Central midfield isn't really the priority though is it? If Tarks leaves, wouldn't you say that is the priority? Centre half and right winger are the key positions. I'd even say signing a new forward is more important than a centre midfielder.

bfcjg wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 7:37 am

I think we need to be safe before we start looking at other players.

More importantly

I think we need to be safe before other players look at us

Love the way many on here are so selective about names then the window closes and we have signed ZILCH for the umpteenth time

nyclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 10:44 am

Central midfield isn't really the priority though is it? If Tarks leaves, wouldn't you say that is the priority? Centre half and right winger are the key positions. I'd even say signing a new forward is more important than a centre midfielder.

Ideally we'll sign 2 centrebacks if Gibson and Tarks do leave, and possibly Dunne as well, that would leave us with only Long & Mee as experienced PL centrebacks, so we'll definitely need to recruit in this area, and yes right winger is another key position we need to strengthen, but I'm sure that has been voiced on here for several windows now, and we're still no further on.

I don't see any point in signing a forward if we can't create chances for him, hence why a creative CM is essential this summer, we struggle to stay in games against the better sides due to being overrun in this area, and as others have rightly commented our ball retention is terrible for an established PL team.

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:07 pm

Ideally we'll sign 2 centrebacks if Gibson and Tarks do leave, and possibly Dunne as well, that would leave us with only Long & Mee as experienced PL centrebacks, so we'll definitely need to recruit in this area, and yes right winger is another key position we need to strengthen, but I'm sure that has been voiced on here for several windows now, and we're still no further on.

I don't see any point in signing a forward if we can't create chances for him, hence why a creative CM is essential this summer, we struggle to stay in games against the better sides due to being overrun in this area, and as others have rightly commented our ball retention is terrible for an established PL team.

Completely agree.

Centre half - we need an experienced centre half ready to play now and a younger Nathan Collins type centre half who is already good enough to step in now whilst given time to improve and progress.

Right winger - we have been desperate for a while. I would like to see at least two wingers/wide players come in. We’re already short in that area and it looks like Brady may well leave (and even if he didn’t he and JBG are unreliable).

After that central midfield and a no 10 type forward would be on my shopping list. Players that can improve what we have but also allow us to play in different ways.

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:07 pm

Ideally we'll sign 2 centrebacks if Gibson and Tarks do leave, and possibly Dunne as well, that would leave us with only Long & Mee as experienced PL centrebacks, so we'll definitely need to recruit in this area, and yes right winger is another key position we need to strengthen, but I'm sure that has been voiced on here for several windows now, and we're still no further on.

I don't see any point in signing a forward if we can't create chances for him, hence why a creative CM is essential this summer, we struggle to stay in games against the better sides due to being overrun in this area, and as others have rightly commented our ball retention is terrible for an established PL team.

Obviously we'd all like a creative CM but is it realistic? Defour has probably been our only creative CM during Dyche's tenure. You've got to prioritise, especially given our finances. How much would a creative CM cost that could slot straight into the starting line-up? I can't see the club forking out if we've already got Cork, Westwood, and Brownhill.

jrgbfc wrote: ↑

Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:21 pm

Do we really need another centre mid? Surely Tarky's replacement and a right midfielder need to be our priorities this summer?

It may not be a top priority area but it’s an area that we should be looking to improve upon.

Doubt we will be signing any CM's this summer - with Benson we have five already
Same applies to strikers where Mumbongo makes up another five
Both full backs and keeper are also covered
Starting wide right and cover for Dwight are essential
Starting CB needed if JT goes and we have a similar contract situation with Ben Mee. No doubt we have already entered into new contract talks with Ben but he can also go on a free after next season. Would not be surprised if Ben is waiting to see what league we are in next year before considering any offers.

Jakubs Tash wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:30 pm

Completely agree.

Centre half - we need an experienced centre half ready to play now and a younger Nathan Collins type centre half who is already good enough to step in now whilst given time to improve and progress.

Right winger - we have been desperate for a while. I would like to see at least two wingers/wide players come in. We’re already short in that area and it looks like Brady may well leave (and even if he didn’t he and JBG are unreliable).

After that central midfield and a no 10 type forward would be on my shopping list. Players that can improve what we have but also allow us to play in different ways.

Yep an experienced centre half ready to step straight in to replace Tarky, and an emerging younger talent would be ideal, I'd be confident that given a full pre-season and the guidance of Ben Mee, any new signing could easily slot in, obviously Tarks going will leave a huge void to fill, but we thought exactly the same when Keane left, and that worked out fine in the end.

I'll be surprised if we get 2 wide players, especially now JBG has extended. but we definitely need to replace Brady, he's been a liability for a couple of seasons now, and a winger who didn't trip over his own shoelaces to get injured would be a start, who? I've no idea, but that's where our recruitment team need to earn their corn for once.

A centre mid that can score a few and also create would be my top end signing, but they don't come cheap unfortunately, however if we could find one from somewhere it wouldn't half help our cause, we can't keep relying on our defence to keep clean sheets week after week.

I'm not sure we'll be in the market for a no 10 type, I don't see how one could fit into our system, and you could argue both Jay and Vydra are capable of fulfilling that role if necessary.

We all know how loyal Dyche is. It would take a pretty good player to force him into dropping Cork or Westwood. I just don't see Lundstram being that man and the last thing we need is another squad filler.

tiger76 wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:47 pm

I'm not sure we'll be in the market for a no 10 type, I don't see how one could fit into our system, and you could argue both Jay and Vydra are capable of fulfilling that role if necessary.

You could argue it, yes.....but neither of them have ever really played as a no 10 for Burnley. I actually think the talk of Vydra being a no 10 type forward in particular is a bit of a myth. Whenever he plays he plays as a no 9 - a centre forward running the channels. Very rare he or any of the other forwards drop deep into midfield to make an extra man. I would prefer a no 10 who is more of a creative midfield player with licence to roam rather than a forward.

Jakubs Tash wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 3:22 pm

You could argue it, yes.....but neither of them have ever really played as a no 10 for Burnley. I actually think the talk of Vydra being a no 10 type forward in particular is a bit of a myth. Whenever he plays he plays as a no 9 - a centre forward running the channels. Very rare he or any of the other forwards drop deep into midfield to make an extra man. I would prefer a no 10 who is more of a creative midfield player with licence to roam rather than a forward.

I wouldn't disagree with you, and such a player would allow us to play between the lines, and also link up with the midfield and the forwards, but I'll be very surprised if we should sign such a player, especially in the event of SD remaining in charge, it's never been part of Sean's remit to have such a player, the closest during his rein would be Defour or Ings, and even then neither would fit the typical view of a number 10, and when Hendrick was tried there it wasn't a success I'm sure we can all agree.

jrgbfc wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 3:00 pm

We all know how loyal Dyche is. It would take a pretty good player to force him into dropping Cork or Westwood. I just don't see Lundstram being that man and the last thing we need is another squad filler.

If he plays on the right of midfield, why would that mean dropping Cork or Westwood?

From what has been said on here, he operates mostly in the JBG / Brady position. An area we must recruit in, partly because both are injury prone and partly because it looks like Brady will be off.

DCWat wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 3:39 pm

If he plays on the right of midfield, why would that mean dropping Cork or Westwood?

From what has been said on here, he operates mostly in the JBG / Brady position. An area we must recruit in, partly because both are injury prone and partly because it looks like Brady will be off.

I was under the impression his natural position had always been in the centre. If we want to play a centre mid out of position we may as well just stick Brownhill out on the right.

jrgbfc wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 3:54 pm

I was under the impression his natural position had always been in the centre. If we want to play a centre mid out of position we may as well just stick Brownhill out on the right.

I thought that's what we had been doing, and it's generally not been successful, hence why we need to recruit a natural right midfielder, JBG can have an impact when fit as he's shown in recent weeks, but neither he or Brady can be considered reliable in a meaningful sense, and if we're seriously hoping one or both are the solution then we're making a huge mistake.

In the situation we've gotten ourselves in it makes little sense to sign another central midfielder. Yes we need better than what we have but first priority is squad depth.

If readers look at my opening post, I am saying he is the closest thing I have seen to Scottie Arfield in his prime, and would naturally slot in to wide right, where we have faffed about for two seasons with primarily left footed players who cannot survive 90 minutes without injury, and then we accomodate it with Josh who is a CM, and previously Hendrick who is a CM. Yes of course he can play central too, but predominantly for Sheff Utd he is the wide right of a three. Norwood is primarily the CM, and Fleck wide left.HE WOULD ALSO BE FREE

warksclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 11, 2021 6:10 pm

If readers look at my opening post, I am saying he is the closest thing I have seen to Scottie Arfield in his prime, and would naturally slot in to wide right, where we have faffed about for two seasons with primarily left footed players who cannot survive 90 minutes without injury, and then we accomodate it with Josh who is a CM, and previously Hendrick who is a CM. Yes of course he can play central too, but predominantly for Sheff Utd he is the wide right of a three. Norwood is primarily the CM, and Fleck wide left.HE WOULD ALSO BE FREE

No player is free, they cost wages which by the end of the season goes against our total budget. We have clear shortages in other areas that should be addressed by players that are known and adept to play there rather than shoehorning players out of position. Sorry but I don't agree that Lundstram is the answer. You only need to look at how he plays to see he's not a winger type player.

We probably need to make 4 signings, but knowing us will probably only end up with 2. There's no way we should be signing this type of player.