Heckingbottom confirms incoming striker won’t be ‘involved’ vs City as he answers Man Utd question | OneFootball

Paul Heckingbottom arrives for a Premier League match.

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom says Cameron Archer will not be signed in time to face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Aston Villa striker completed his medical on Thursday after a reported fee of £18million was agreed between the two clubs.

When asked if the 21-year-old could make his debut this weekend at Bramall Lane, Heckingbottom said: “No, the deadline was today.

“It’s out of my hands, I don’t know. It’s pointless me saying it’s not happening. I hope it’s happening.

“I would have loved and Cameron would have loved to be involved on Sunday, but we haven’t done it yet.”

The Blades have been linked with several players following their return to the top flight, including a possible loan deal for Manchester United’s Uruguay winger Facundo Pellistri.

“There’s a lot of people we’ve been speaking about and speaking to, whether that’s the players themselves, the representatives, their family, their parent clubs,” Heckingbottom said.

“There’s a lot we’re trying to get done. Knowing that it’s difficult to get players in, so we’ve a few irons in the fire and I’m not going into details because we can’t be relying on one and nothing happens.

“So we’re working hard on a number of things, but I wouldn’t put a number on it.”

Heckingbottom’s side face a daunting task in their bid to register their first point of the season following narrow defeats to Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in their opening two games.

, but Heckingbottom feels his absence will not affect his players.

Heckingbottom said: “I have experienced not being there and I hated it. I presume Pep will be the same.

“It’s worse for the manager missing games than the players performing. He won’t enjoy it. I will guarantee that and he will be wishing he was there.”

Blades’ summer recruit Tom Davies could make his first appearance and on-loan Troyes defender Yasser Larouci is poised to start in the absence of Max Lowe (ankle).

Heckingbottom, who dismissed the notion that City’s visit would be “a free hit”, hopes a sold-out Bramall Lane on Sunday can help his players spring an upset.

He added: “A huge difference a full house. We love the atmosphere on a matchday. It’s pointless trying to play games down.

“We want to build them up because every game we play this season is a huge game because of how hard we’re going to have to fight for points. Every game.”