Sheffield United target to make final impression in post-season friendly

Originally posted on Sheff United Way | By Jake Staniland | Last updated 5/21/24

After Tottenham Hotspur dispatched Sheffield United 3-0 on the final day of the season, Ange Postecoglou will lead his Spurs side in an end of season friendly against fellow Premier League side Newcastle United on Wednesday in Australia.

And it is likely that a current Sheffield United target will be on display, providing the Blades with a chance to evaluate his performance one last time before the transfer window kicks into full gear.

The Blades have previously been linked with 18-year-old centre-back Ashley Phillips. The towering defender has 26 Championship appearances to his name after rising up through the Blackburn Rovers academy, before joining Spurs last summer, and Phillips would then be loaned out to Plymouth Argyle in the campaign that’s just passed.

While Phillips may not have experience, he certainly makes up for it in his physical presence and his composure on the ball – both of which are things United have lacked all season.

Phillips is bound to be loaned out to another Championship club this summer so on Wednesday he will essentially be auditioning for his next temporary team.

Sheffield United should sign Ashley Phillips on loan

In an ideal scenario the Blades sign two right-sided centre-backs this summer: Paddy McNair as a free-agent and Phillips on loan from Spurs. Both signings would improve the centre-back depth as well as freeing up funds to be used elsewhere in the squad.

Chris Wilder clearly wants defensive reinforcements as Sheffield United continue to be linked with defenders – Joe Worrall another name that has been mentioned. But, the 27-year-old will cost approximately £4 million, and for me, he would be more suited to the middle defender in a back three. So unless, John Egan leaves I personally can’t see the club spending £4 million on a back-up defender.

This article first appeared on Sheff United Way and was syndicated with permission.

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