Report: Sheffield United agree bargain fee for defender | OneFootball

Harrison Burrows completed a medical at Sheffield United on Friday, according to a recent report from the Peterborough Telegraph. It is also claimed by the source that the two clubs have agreed on a fee with in excess of £2 million in add-ons and bonuses. A “lucrative” contract is said to be agreed as well.

In addition to this update, Posh’s chairman, Darragh MacAnthony, sparked some buzz on social media in the last couple of weeks. When a Sheffield United fan on Twitter inquired about the availability of standout defenders Ronnie Edwards and Harrison Burrows, MacAnthony replied, “one out of two ain’t bad.”

Per the source, Peterborough United openly admitted to rejecting bids from Championship clubs for their captain last January. However, it is now believed they are open to a sale. Burrows, the 22-year-old with a promising future, has only 12 months remaining on his current Posh contract. It seems only a matter of time before the star left-wingback secures a significant move to a top Championship team like the Blades.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 07: Darren Ferguson and Harrison Burrows of Peterborough United celebrate with the Bristol Street Motors Trophy after the team’s victory during the Bristol Street Motors Trophy Final between Peterborough United and Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley Stadium on April 07, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Sheffield United in for two left-wingbacks

Adding to the plot, Sheffield United are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for free agent left-back Sam McCallum after he rejected a new contract with Norwich City.

It is likely that the Blades sign two left-backs/wing-backs anyway this summer after releasing injury prone Max Lowe and sending Yasser Larouci back to his parent club Troyes.

Although the club activated a 12 month extension clause for Rhys Norrington-Davies, it is thought that the Welshman will likely be cover for the left-sided centre-back position, with Jack Robinson the other player in that position. Auston Trusty could be mainly cover for the middle of the back three.

My view on the potential left-wingback situation

If we are being completely honest, Burrows is the better of the two potential incoming left-wingbacks. He has better delivery, creativity and technical skills. On the other hand, McCallum is probably the better athlete and speedier than the two. He is very good in the air as well.

With McCallum and Burrows being rumoured as incomings for the Blades this to me suggests we will still be playing a wingback system; neither Burrows or McCallum fit the full-back role in the back four as both prefer to be attacking than defending.

However, the other potential incoming of Canadian international Liam Millar could point to a change to a 3-4-3. The current Basel player’s favoured position is on the left-wing where he can invert, but he can also play on the right or in the number ten.

If the Blades can partner up Burrows and Millar down the left side then it could be a serious left side for opposition to contend with. And behind Burrows could be a no nonsense centre-back such as Robinson to safeguard the left flank.

There are other potential new incomings on the way but negotiations have stalled (due to the takeover) with two out of contract players: versatile midfielder Alan Brown, and versatile defender Gabriel Osho.