Sheffield United told to "pay the money" and seal £8m Bobby Thomas deal | OneFootball

FLW's Blades fan pundit feels that Bobby Thomas would be a big upgrade in the centre-back department

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...

It has been a nightmare start for Ruben Selles in the Sheffield United dugout, with the Blades sitting bottom of the Championship after a couple of defeats in the opening two games.

His side was also knocked out of the EFL Cup at the first hurdle, too, after a poor display at Birmingham City.

Throughout those three games, defensive frailties have been the main talking point. Their opening day defeat against Bristol City saw them concede four of their opponent's five shots on target. Then, Dovydas Sasnauskas was at fault for Birmingham's first goal thanks to a poor back pass.

Their defeat at Swansea wasn't down to any errors, but the Swans were able to create quite a few solid chances, something which came as a rarity last season if you played against the Blades.

Defensive additions have been a necessity for Sheffield United this summer, especially after they lost Anel Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord, and it seems that Coventry City's Bobby Thomas has emerged as their main defensive target, with an £8 million bid being lodged last week.

Jimmy, the host of the Blades Ramble and FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit, likes the idea of bringing Thomas to Bramall Lane and feels his side should make the deal, even if it means spending a hefty fee to do so.

Sheffield United fan pundit reacts to Blades, Bobby Thomas links

"I like Bobby Thomas, he's someone we've spoken about on the channel a bit," Jimmy said.

"He's a strong leader, and a leader is what we need. He's a bit of an enforcer on the pitch, and I do like him."

Thomas was a strong figure in the Coventry back line last season, winning 204 duels on the ground and a further 128 in the air throughout the campaign.

Last term saw him pop up with a few goals from the back, too, as he netted five times, including a late equaliser against the Blades in a 2-2 draw in November.

"I do question where he's fit in a high line, Ruben Selles-style system, but to be quite honest, he's better than anything we've got at the moment in his position," he added.

"So with that in mind, get the chequebook out and get him in, because he's certainly the type of character we need.

"As a defensive unit at this level, he's very good, and he'll improve us.

"£8 million is a lot of money, by the way, but needs must. Pay the money, and get him in."

Sheffield United are running out of time to shore up defensive issues

The transfer window closes in two weeks time, and there's still a lot to do in terms of improving the current crop of players at Bramall Lane, especially in defensive areas.

There have been just two permanent signings through the door at Sheffield United this summer, and with the likes of Ahmedhodzic and Vini Souza departing for sizeable fees, you'd imagine that there'd be room in the budget to make a splash in these final two weeks.

The way that Selles' Blades have started the season has highlighted the need for defensive recruitment. Bringing in Thomas would help shore that up, whilst in turn weakening a divisional rival in Coventry.

But, as Jimmy alluded to, £8 million is a hefty fee for someone who is a top operator at Championship level, but is yet to put his skill to the test in the Premier League.

However, Sheffield United are slowly creeping into desperation territory when it comes to incomings as we edge closer to transfer deadline day. In the end, it may just be a case of getting the right players in, no matter the cost.