"He's on a huge salary" - Pundit issues Kieffer Moore claim as Sheffield United, Cardiff City circle | OneFootball

Moore has been linked with a potential return to the Championship this summer

Highlights

Carlton Palmer believes that the top teams in the Championship will have the best chance of pursuing a deal for Kieffer Moore over the course of the summer.

The Welsh international has become a household name in the second tier across recent times, a feat that was proved once again last season after he aided Ipswich Town's promotion to the Premier League.

His contributions at Portman Road were pivotal to Kieran McKenna's side eventually finishing six points clear of Leeds United in third place, after the Tractor Boys were able to fend off significant competition for his signature on a loan deal from his parent club, AFC Bournemouth.

However, recent developments suggest that Andoni Iraola hasn't made the 31-year-old part of his plans next season, which has opened the door for an array of potential suitors from the second tier.

Carlton Palmer issues Kieffer Moore verdict amid Championship interest

Moore's previous pedigree at Championship level will no doubt make him a prime target after news broke from the Mirror's Darren Witcoop that Sheffield United and Cardiff City are just two clubs interested in striking a deal for the forward.

However, speaking exclusively to Football League World, former England defender and pundit, Carlton Palmer, believes that the sides towards the top end of the table will stand the best chance of pursuing the Torquay-born man.

"Reports coming out of Bournemouth is that Kieffer Moore will leave the club this summer," Palmer began. "He's got a year left on his contract and it looks likely that Bournemouth will cash in on him."

"The 43-cap Welsh striker showed how well he can do in the Championship last season, going to Ipswich and playing an instrumental role in them getting promoted to the Premier League, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances," he added.

"Again, Chris Wilder has been linked with the striker, but his hands are effectively tied in terms of player recruitment until that takeover goes through, so as such, that opens the door for other teams. Cardiff are supposed to be really interested in recruiting Kieffer Moore," Palmer continued.

"It's interesting. I thought maybe Ipswich would come back in for him as they've been promoted and he played an influential part," the pundit stated. "But, since he's been at Bournemouth and they've played in the Premier League, he hasn't really featured, so maybe they think he can't cut it at that level."

"So there's going to be a lot of Championship clubs interested. He's on a huge salary - believed to be in excess of £40,000 per week - and obviously, Bournemouth are going to want a fee for the player," Palmer claimed.

"It will be interesting to see where he ends up. A lot of Championship clubs who will be hoping to get promoted will be looking at Kieffer Moore and thinking, 'he will get us 20 goals a season if he comes in', his link-up play, his height and defending from set pieces makes him a good player to bring in."

Kieffer Moore would be a great acquisition for any Championship side

Despite Palmer's reference of Moore's estimated salary, which, according to the Sun, is in the region of £40,000, that shouldn't deter Championship outfits from pursuing a potential deal in the coming weeks.

Although he returned to Ipswich in the winter window, one club who were so-often linked with the Welsh international was Sunderland, but it remains to be seen whether the Black Cats will rekindle their interest in the big striker under the management of Regis Le Bris.

Meanwhile, off-pitch uncertainty at Bramall Lane means a potential move back to Yorkshire for the ex-Barnsley man depends on takeover developments, which could also impact whether fellow experienced forward Oli McBurnie stays in the Steel City. However, adding Moore to his ranks would be a shrewd piece of business for Wilder, who has recently lost the services of Daniel Jebbison.

Moore is no stranger to the Cardiff City Stadium too, having played for the Bluebirds 66 times between 2020 and 2022, before aiding his current club's promotion bid under the new Burnley boss, Scott Parker.

Either way, as previous windows have shown, another drawn out transfer saga surrounding the Bournemouth man could be on the cards.