"Not convinced" - Sheffield United warned over potential double Tottenham transfer swoop | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on the club's interest in Alfie Devine and Ash Phillips

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 are eyeing a double swoop for Tottenham Hotspur youngsters Alfie Devine and Ash Phillips.

It was reported by The Star earlier this week that the pair are on the Blades’ radar as they look to improve their first team squad.

Ruben Selles is now in charge at Bramall Lane, and will be looking to strengthen the team for a promotion push next season.

Devine spent the previous campaign on loan with Belgian side Westerlo, while Phillips competed in the Championship with Stoke City, putting in impressive showings for the Potters despite their lowly finish in the table.

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When asked about the club’s interest in the Spurs pair, FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from the Blades Ramble YouTube Channel, claimed he’d only be interested in permanent offers for the youngsters.

He believes that they’re not good enough right now to justify a loan deal, but that they could be good long-term bets to bring into the side.

“If they had to be permanent signings, then I think it’s good business for Sheffield United,” Jimmy told Football League World.

“It shows a long-term eye on the future, it shows that we are planning for the long-term, in terms of player development.

“If we take these two lads who, in Ash Phillips’ case, has played for Plymouth and Stoke, been largely unremarkable in the Championship — I understand he’s a very young boy, still only 19 and with a lot of experience for that age at Championship — but we need a top end Championship defender if we’re going to bring him in on loan.

“And I’m not convinced that he will be a top-end Championship defender yet, and even if he does become that over the season we’re only developing Tottenham’s youth.

“Whereas if we sign him as a long-term project player, then even if he starts to come good at the end of the season, then it’s money well spent.

“So, it’s going to be really interesting to see how this one goes.”

Ash Phillips & Alfie Devine deals wouldn't drastically improve Sheffield United's promotion chances

Sheffield United won’t need a lot of work this summer to bridge the gap from play-off finalists to promotion winners.

However, bringing in two inexperienced youngsters from Spurs won’t immediately improve the team either, so loan deals would be underwhelming.

If they could figure out a way to sign them permanently, it could be great long-term business, but it seems unlikely at this stage.

Sheffield United need to focus their efforts on improving the side right now, as that’s what’s needed after losing the play-off final to Sunderland - Phillips and Devine may not have enough quality required right now to be at the level that United need to be.