Exclusive: Ipswich Town and Sheffield United backed to seal deal for "clever footballer" | OneFootball

Oli McBurnie left Las Palmas earlier this summer

Oli McBurnie is weighing up which club he will join this summer following his Las Palmas exit.

Ipswich Town recently joined the race to sign the 29-year-old, according to Alan Nixon, seeing him as a necessary addition to their striking department.

Sheffield United are also reportedly keen to secure McBurnie’s services, just 12 months on from his Bramall Lane exit.

The Scotsman spent five years with the Blades before embarking upon his Spanish adventure with Las Palmas.

His visit to the continent ended on a disappointing note, with Los Amarillos relegated and McBurnie out of contract.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, believes that both Ipswich Town and Sheffield United would benefit immensely from McBurnie’s services next season.

Lee Hendrie backs Ipswich Town and Sheffield United to pursue Oli McBurnie move

“It’s no surprise that Oli McBurnie has interest from the top end of the Championship,” stated Hendrie. “He was at Sheffield United and he's had a taste of what it's all about, he knows the club.

“Ipswich are trying to replace Liam Delap, which is always going to be tough. There's no doubt that him going to Chelsea for that sort of money just shows what kind of player he is.

“It's whether they want to go down the experience route or try and bring a younger centre forward in. But I think both of these clubs will be very close to getting his signature because of the calibre of player he is and what he can produce.

“He's a clever footballer and he's more than capable of scoring goals. So, I think this one's going to be a tough one to call over who's actually going to win the battle if anything, but it’s no surprise at all that these two clubs are pushing to get him.”

Sheffield United hold clear advantage in the race for Oli McBurnie

Both Sheffield United and Ipswich Town represent attractive options for McBurnie, as the pair enter next season among the favourites for promotion to the Premier League.

Therefore, it will be small, minor details that push the 29-year-old into making a decision, and the odds look to be in Ruben Selles' favour.

The Blades can offer McBurnie the appeal of familiar surroundings and a smooth return back into a dressing room he knows, something Kieran McKenna and Co. can’t match.

When factors such as family are taken into account, a Sheffield United comeback may prove to be too attractive a prospect for the striker and render Ipswich’s approach an unsuccessful one.