Sheffield United takeover hits minor stumbling block | OneFootball

It looks as though Sean Rosen will need to overcome another hurdle if he wants to purchase the Blades from Prince Abdullah.

Steve Rosen will need to agree a deal with the EFL before his group can complete their takeover of Championship promotion contenders Sheffield United.

This is according to Alan Nixon, who believes the EFL will force them to agree to a financial management plan, which looks set to limit their spending in the coming years.

United have been the subject of ownership speculations for a few years now, with American businessman Henry Mauriss previously having a £115m offer accepted for the club.

This news emerged in April 2022 when Paul Heckingbottom was at the helm - and the same manager was in charge when Dozy Mmobuosi tried to get a deal over the line to purchase the Blades during the 2022/23 season.

Neither takeover attempt was successful in the end - and some fans may have started to lose hope with their current takeover saga dragging on like the other two did.

Thankfully for United, they are doing well on the pitch and this is helping to raise morale at Bramall Lane, amid this off-field uncertainty.

But it looks as though this uncertainty could come to an end sooner rather than later, with Rosen and his team now closing in on a deal to replace Prince Abdullah in South Yorkshire.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Blades' takeover was likely to be confirmed imminently, but an announcement is yet to be made and Rosen's team look set to face one final hurdle before the sale is complete.

According to Nixon, the Blades and the EFL will have to come to an agreement regarding a financial management plan before a takeover can go through.

Without this plan, Rosen and his team are unlikely to be able to complete their purchase, which is believed to be in the region of £105m.

The EFL are keen to see a two-year funded strategy that they can approve and although this isn't a major barrier to a takeover and isn't seen as a big issue, this is believed to be a new obstacle for the consortium who want to get a deal over the line for United.

This plan may limit the amount they can spend, including in the transfer market, although player sales could potentially make it easier for United to splash out more.

Sheffield United will be frustrated about this hurdle

United will be frustrated that a takeover hasn't been confirmed yet, after a number of false dawns.

However, these extra restrictions could help United in the future and it's reassuring to see that the EFL are double-checking to see if Rosen is the right candidate to take the Blades forward.

In terms of what United can do now, they just need to focus on what's happening on the pitch, as they look to secure a Premier League return at the first time of asking.

Their upcoming clash against Sheffield Wednesday is an important one for them - because they will want to have the bragging rights in the Steel City derby.

They then face Coventry City after the international break - and that's a winnable game considering how poor the Sky Blues have been at times this season.