Sheffield United issued warning over potential £15m Sunderland transfer raid | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on Dan Ballard's transfer price tag

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United will have to pay between £12 million and 15 million if they want to sign Dan Ballard from Sunderland this season.

According to Alan Nixon, the Black Cats have set a significant asking price ahead of the summer transfer window.

It was exclusively revealed by Football League World earlier this month that the Blades have shortlisted the centre-back, but will only pursue him if Premier League promotion is secured.

Chris Wilder’s side have suffered a setback in the race for a top two finish in recent weeks, and may now have to settle for the play-offs unless they can overcome the five point gap to Burnley in second.

Sheffield United: Dan Ballard transfer verdict issued as Chris Wilder plans raid

When asked about the £12 million-£15 million price tag for Ballard, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, of The Blades Ramble channel on YouTube, claimed it would be a safe signing for United, but there are reservations.

He is concerned about the player’s injury record, but believes he’d be a solid option that could compete in the Championship for the club if they go straight back down next year, naming Rob Holding and Harry Souttar as more preferred options.

“I really like Dan Ballard as a player,” Jimmy told FLW.

“We certainly need reinforcements at centre-half, I think there’s a chance that if we don't go up we lose [Anel] Ahmedhodzic.

“Jack Robinson I certainly don’t think is a Premier League defender, I think he’s an average Championship defender.

“A huge overhaul is needed in the defence, particularly in the central area.

“If we get promoted, Dan Ballard’s a promotion purchase - I’m not convinced by it.

“I think it’s buying young, and I think it’s a fairly safe purchase, but it’s more a Championship protection purchase, if that makes sense.

“If we were to be relegated, which the odds are that if we were to be promoted we would be the favourites to go down again, then Dan Ballard would be a really strong player in the Championship as he’s shown for Sunderland.

“His injury record is a concern.

“I would personally be looking at making someone like Rob Holding permanent, getting Harry Souttar back on loan if that’s a possibility.

“I think they’re options we could consider.

“But Dan Ballard, it's huge outlay, but you’re investing in your future, similar to what we’ve done with Tom Cannon, everything’s a gamble.

“He's slightly injury-prone but a very good Championship player.”

Dan Ballard could be a positive signing for Sheffield United

Of course, Sheffield United’s business this summer will depend on how much they’re willing to invest in order to survive in the Premier League, if promoted.

On that basis, Ballard’s price tag could be deemed too much if they’re only looking to spend a small amount and come straight back down.

But if they’re willing to go all out and back Wilder in the market, then he would be a smart choice to bolster their defensive options, which will be needed this summer.