Three strikers Sheffield United could look to sign in January
Sheffield United have made a solid start to the 2018/19 campaign. The Blades are currently stationed fourth in the EFL Championship standings, just three points off of leaders Norwich City and have a good shot at earning a promotion to the Premier League. However, Chris Wilder’s side will need to make a few additions to their squad over the January transfer window if they are to further their chances of sealing their leap back to the top-flight.
One area that Wilder must consider bolstering is the forward line. While Billy Sharp has been scoring consistently for the Blades, summer signing David McGoldrick has been a hit and a miss. Meanwhile, last season’s top scorer Leon Clarke has struggled to find similar form this time out.
Bringing in a new striker would ease the goal-scoring burden off of Sharp’s shoulders and make the Blades’ attack sharper and more potent. To that end, here are three options that they could look to bring in at Bramall Lane in the new year.
Shane Long (Southampton)
The 31-year-old Irishman has been in and out of the Southampton side under Mark Hughes this campaign. The likes of Danny Ings, Charlie Austin and Manolo Gabbiadini are all ahead in the pecking order. As a result, he could be allowed to leave in the January transfer window and should that opportunity present itself, Sheffield United must not hesitate to pounce.
Long may not have scored or assisted a single goal in his nine appearances this term but the 81-time capped Republic of Ireland international remains a potent weapon with years of experience in the English top-flight. The 31-year-old also has experience in the Championship as well, having made 123 appearances in the English second division during his time with Reading, scoring 39 goals and setting up 20 more.
The 31-year-old would bring in something different to the Blades’ attack, with his pace, sharp movement and the knack of playing on the shoulders of the defenders. He still has a lot to offer and could prove to be a shrewd piece of purchase for Wilder’s side.
Tom Eaves (Gillingham)
The 26-year-old has been tearing apart defences in the EFL League One and is currently the leading the goalscoring charts in the English third division, with 11 goals in 17 appearances for Gillingham.
While Gillingham are struggling and are 17th in the table, Tom Eaves has been a bright spot in their campaign and has shown he can be a lethal weapon in the final third. Eaves scored in Gillingham’s games against Portsmouth and Sunderland – two teams that boast the best defensive records in the competition.
A natural target man in the box, the Oldham Atheltic academy graduate’s physical presence and aerial prowess can cause all sorts of problems to opposition defences. He is in the final year of his contract with The Gills and given their struggles in the bottom half of the third tier, Sheffield United could tempt the striker.
James Norwood (Tranmere Rovers)
Another lower league striker who has been making all the right noises, 28-year-old James Norwood has taken the League Two by storm this season and has given Tranmere Rovers a hope of promotion with his goals.
The 28-year-old was at the forefront of Tranmere Rovers’ promotion to the League Two last season and has continued in a similar vein of form this time as well. Norwood has already netted 12 goals in 16 League Two appearances in the ongoing campaign, which is almost 50% of Tranmere’s total goal tally (25) in the competition.
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Norwood is currently the joint-top goalscorer in England’s top four divisions, alongside Brentford’s Neal Maupay. He also has two assists against his name. The striker’s contract with the League Two side runs out at the end of the season and Sheffield United must definitely look to make a move in January.
