"Crucial" - Sheffield United: Gus Hamer claims made after Leeds United transfer interest | OneFootball

Hamer has proved key, reports suggested he was potentially going to Leeds in the summer, the Blades have hit the jackpot by keeping him.

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...

Gus Hamer has been superb for Sheffield United this season, and the Blades' retaining the midfielder could prove to be vital in their promotion push.

Since joining Sheffield United, Hamer has impressed as the main asset in Chris Wilder's side. A shining light in a disastrous Premier League season and now the leading man in their pursuit of a return to the top-flight.

Another goal on the weekend versus Derby County puts his tally up to five goal contributions in the Championship so far this season, really putting him in the reckoning as one of the division's best.

Hamer was, of course, the subject of transfer interest in the summer, as Leeds United were keen to sign the 27-year-old. However, the Blades fended off their promotion rivals in a laughable manner by rejecting a bid that was said to be "a million miles away" from Hamer's value to the club.

With that reported fee being £13m, it seems as though it would take a much higher figure for the Blades to let go of the midfielder.

Now, with Hamer retained, he could be the key to Wilder's side gaining promotion.

"He's crucial to everything we're doing" - Blades claim on Hamer's impact

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy (Blades Ramble), has made it clear that Hamer staying at Bramall Lane will be crucial for the Blades having a successful season.

"Gus Hamer could be the difference, to be honest. Everyone has been talking about Ollie Arblaster, but if you're talking about pure technique and ability, it's pretty obvious Hamer is our best player.

"He's hit the ground running, four goals already this season. Some think when he's pushed out on the left it's probably not his best position, but he's absolutely making the most.

"He's made the position his own and doing it for the team. He's crucial to everything we're doing at the minute and in a team that isn't very clinical, which is one of very few criticisms every Blades fan would have of the side, Hamer is proving the difference and keeping hold of him is absolutely crucial if we're going to have a successful season this time.

"He could be the difference between gaining automatic promotion rather than play-offs. It was a great bit of business to keep hold of him."

Hamer can lead Sheffield United to promotion

Fans already know how integral he is to Chris Wilder's side, but what is it that makes him stand-out as the main man in the Blades' squad?

Hamer is an adaptable midfielder who can play on the wing and provide a creative outlet in the heart of midfield. He already has the experience of Premier League football, but his stature in the Championship speaks volumes.

His performances this season have already proved he will be consistent all season long if he stays fit, and that's the key for the Blades: keeping him fit.

Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Wilder believes that Hamer has "got to be up there" in terms of the best player in the Championship and his big moments could prove to be the difference this season.

Wilder said: "Well, he’s got to be up there, with four goals in six games. And the manner of them too, like his goal at Preston and his goal today. The one against QPR.

"He’s a big player for us, but all those teams that want to have good seasons and be successful, they need game-changers. I’m not saying his goal was a game-changer, because I believe we’d have got the result we wanted. Big moments, I suppose, is a better way of putting it."

The Blades have managed to build a strong squad for this season and, with Hamer, you'd be silly to rule them out of a Premier League return.