Sheffield United urged to seal Japhet Tanganga, Millwall transfer - one concern has emerged though | OneFootball

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

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 are eyeing a move for Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga as they look to bolster their defensive options this summer.

As Football League World exclusively revealed on Wednesday morning, the Blades were plotting a move for the former Tottenham centre-half, with Italian transfer reporter Luca Bendoni further revealing that talks are ongoing over a transfer fee that is "north" of £5 million.

It has been reported over the course of the summer that Tanganga has a £1.2 million release clause, it is only applicable to clubs in the Premier League, with anyone outside of that league having to pay considerably more.

The 26-year-old featured 40 times for the Lions in the league last season, earning a reputation as one of the standout performers in his position in the division, and he won the club's Player of the Year award in the process.

Japhet Tanganga concern raised amid Sheffield United transfer talk

When asked about the club’s interest in Tanganga, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from the Blades Ramble YouTube channel, claimed he would be an ideal signing to replace Anel Ahmedhodzic.

However, he is concerned about convincing the defender to move to the club given his close ties to London, having come through the Tottenham Hotspur academy before moving to Millwall.

“Japhet Tanganga would be an incredible deal - absolutely incredible,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“And we could probably get him for around the price that we sold Anel Ahmedhodzic for.

“From what we’re hearing, it’ll take a £7 million bid, and Sheffield United are at around north of five.

“The only thing I’m concerned about is whether he would move up north. He's known to be a London boy, and whether he will come up to Sheffield is the big question for me.

“He’d certainly fit into our team, he’s just what we need, and I’d be absolutely delighted if we could get the deal done.

“It’s one I won’t believe until he’s holding the shirt because it does sound a little bit too good to be true, but I think he’s exactly the mould we need to be going for.

“Not too young that he’s an established player in the league, a really strong player at this level, but also still room to grow and add value to his name, so it’d be a brilliant signing for us.”

Japhet Tanganga signing would be a great move for Sheffield United

It is clear that Sheffield United must sign at least one defender before the market closes, with their defensive deficiencies made obvious after the opening two games.

Losing Ahmedhodzic has been a real blow, with Vinicius Souza’s departure has also made the team weaker at the back, as his shielding capabilities were elite for Championship level.

Bringing in Tanganga would be a smart move to help shore up the defence given his level of performances for Millwall last season, and you'd imagine he would be a guaranteed starter.

If United can get a deal done for around £7 million, then it could prove smart business at this late stage in the window, and it would no doubt make the fanbase a bit more positive about what's to come under owners COH Sports, who have gotten some flack recently for lack of transfer activity.