Sheffield United set to battle Stoke City for Norwich City player | OneFootball

The Blades look set to do battle with the Potters, as both look to get a deal over the line for Sam McCallum.

Sheffield United are keen on a move for Norwich City full-back Sam McCallum, according to Alan Nixon.

Chris Wilder's side have plenty of work to do this summer if they are to give themselves the best chance of returning to the Premier League, having endured such a disappointing 2023/24 campaign at the top level.

There are plenty of areas that need to be addressed, including the goalkeeping department with Wes Foderingham and Jordan Amissah both being released on the expiration of their contracts at Bramall Lane.

More options at centre-back and in the striker department will also be required - and what formation they play next term will probably dictate some of the additions they need to make in other areas.

Regardless of the formation they play though, the full-back/wing-back area must be looked at by the Blades, who have released George Baldock and new Sheffield Wednesday signing Max Lowe.

Jayden Bogle is an option on the right-hand side and Rhys Norrington-Davies can operate on the left, but the latter's injury record in recent years hasn't been positive and even if he does manage to get back to fitness, he could potentially be required in the centre.

With this in mind, two left-backs may need to be recruited in South Yorkshire before the summer window opens, and it looks as though they have at least one option on their shortlist.

Sheffield United in Sam McCallum battle

United are targeting a move for Norwich's McCallum, according to Nixon.

The full-back has been released on the expiration of his contract at Carrow Road, something that came as a major surprise to some considering he was a fairly important first-teamer under David Wagner during the 2023/24 campaign.

Not only this, but fellow left-back Dimi Giannoulis has also been released, leaving the Canaries with work to do on the left-hand side in the coming months.

The Blades, who have lost Lowe and seen Norrington-Davies struggle with injuries, could address their left-hand side with the free transfer of McCallum, with the current hierarchy potentially prepared to sanction this cheap addition.

However, they aren't alone in their quest to pursue the 23-year-old, with Stoke City also thought to be keen on the player.

Sheffield United could benefit from having Sam McCallum

McCallum's injury record hasn't been the best during his career, but Wilder could benefit from having him at his disposal.

Able to operate as a full-back and a wing-back, that is ideal for Wilder who could potentially switch between different systems during the 2024/25 campaign.

He's also available on a free transfer and you feel that will boost the Blades' manager's chances of getting a deal over the line.

With takeover speculation rife at Bramall Lane, the current hierarchy may not be keen to spend too much money this summer, but McCallum could end up being a fairly cheap addition.