“Wouldn’t be ideal for Sheffield United” – Rangers tipped to target Blades player: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has called on the SPFL club to re-sign Sheffield United midfielder John Fleck.

Speaking on Sky Sports (via The Glasgow Evening Times), Boyd picked out Fleck, whose contract with the Championship club expires in the summer, as an “obvious” target this month.

So would he be good a signing for the Scottish club? And should the Blades be concerned?

We quizzed our FLW writers for their thoughts…

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Declan Harte

This could prove to be a smart move by Rangers if they do pursue a move for Fleck as he could bring some creativity into the team’s midfield options.

Strengthening in that area will be a big help to their chase of Celtic at the top of the league table.

Fleck will also have something to prove having left the club over a decade ago and will bring his career full circle.

It wouldn’t be ideal for United, but now could be a good opportunity to cash in on the 31-year-old, who hasn’t exactly featured heavily this season.

Lining up a replacement will be key as Heckingbottom will want to maintain the size of his current squad, but United should definitely entertain an offer for Fleck’s services this month if one arrives.

Ned Holmes

John Fleck would be a fantastic addition for Rangers if they can prize him away from Sheffield United.

The 31-year-old may no longer quite be at the peak of his powers but he still has a lot to offer the Blades and you’d imagine that Paul Heckingbottom will not want to lose someone with his experience and influence midway through the season – particularly while they’re on course for promotion.

His contract situation certainly opens the door for the Scottish club but can they really tempt Fleck to depart with a return to the Premier League likely on the cards?

For me, that all depends on what sort of playing time Heckingbottom can guarantee the midfielder moving forward and the offer that Rangers make him.

Given these links are fairly weak as it is and the fact Blades are midway through a promotion challenge, I don’t think they should be too concerned about losing him this month.

An appetising offer in the summer could turn his head though.

Billy Mulley

A technically gifted midfielder, who reads the game very well and has consistently displayed a gritty side to his game, it is no surprise that comments have been made regarding a potential move to Rangers.

The Scottish giants are seemingly in need of bolstering their midfield option, and Mick Beale will have a good understanding of how Fleck operates.

His injury record this season does come as somewhat of a concern and is perhaps a reason why a January move might come with an element of risk.

Instead, Rangers might monitor his situation and look to strike an agreement when he becomes a free agent in the summer.