Football League World
·10 June 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsFootball League World
·10 June 2024
It looks as though it will be a summer of change at Sheffield United in the coming months.
Following the Blades' dismal campaign in the Premier League that saw them relegated to the Championship after just a single season in the top flight, it seems there may be a need for a reset.
In terms of the playing squad, that is already happening, with several players already confirmed to be leaving when their contracts expire this summer.
There are others who still face uncertain futures at Bramall Lane, with their contracts due to expire, but discussions are confirmed to be ongoing about potential new deals.
One player who currently finds himself in that position at Sheffield United is Adam Davies, although it seems as though he could now be the subject of interest from elsewhere this summer.
According to a recent report from London News Online, Charlton are keen to sign Davies this summer.
It is thought that the Addicks are keen to sign two goalkeepers this summer, and are interested in making the 31-year-old one of them.
It is claimed that Davies' contract talks with Sheffield United are on hold due to a proposed takeover of the club, which could further help Nathan Jones' side in their attempts to poach the goalkeeper.
Of course, a move to Charlton would still see Davies have to step down a division from the Championship to League One.
But despite that, there may be an argument that the Addicks could yet have an advantage over Sheffield United in the battle to secure the services of the goalkeeper for next season.
Despite the fact that they are still in talks over a new deal suggesting that Sheffield United want to keep Davies, he has never been a regular for the club.
Since joining the Blades from Stoke City in January 2022, the 31-year-old has managed just 11 appearances in all competitions as a Sheffield United player.
Only one of those came this season, in a League Cup clash with Lincoln City that ended in a penalty shootout defeat for Davies and his side.
As a result, it is evident that the goalkeeper has never been able to fully establish himself at Bramall Lane, and even if he does stay, he may struggle to change that next season.
Recent reports have claimed that Sheffield United are interested in a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, and could offer £8 million for him.
Given he is a regular already in the Championship with the Black Cats, it does seem as though this interest indicates the Blades are keen to sign a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer, particularly considering the fee they seem willing to pay for such a signing.
That would indicate that Davies would not be getting more regular game time if he remains at Bramall Lane for next season, and would instead remain down the pecking order at the club.
By contrast, with Charlton seemingly keen to overhaul their goalkeeping department by bringing in two new 'keepers - despite already having two under contract - it does seem as though the number one spot may be up for grabs at The Valley next season.
Considering the experience he possesses at this level from earlier in his career with Barnsley, including two League One promotions, Davies may back himself to do that should he make the move to the Addicks, especially with his Championship pedigree as well.
After a long spell down the pecking order at Sheffield United, the chance to be a first choice again could well appeal to the 31-year-old.
That is particularly the case when considering that at his age, he may be starting to approach the latter stages of his career, and may want to ensure he gets the chance to experience as much game time as possible while he still can.
With all that in mind, it seems that while it would mean dropping down another division for him, Charlton may well feel that they can make a strong case to Davies about why he ought to join them this summer, rather than extend his stay at Sheffield United.