"I don't want" - Sheffield United urged to avoid Norwich City transfer | OneFootball

We spoke to our Sheffield United fan pundit about whether the Blades should pursue a move for Grant Hanley.

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's Boxing Day defeat to Burnley was sour in more than one way as they lost ground on the Clarets and saw their star centre-back Harry Souttar ruled out for the season.

Having ruptured his Achilles tendon, it was confirmed a few days later that he would return to his parent club Leicester City to continue treatment. Chris Wilder was "devastated" for the 26-year-old, but admitted the club had to move on to find answers in the transfer market.

Seemingly, one of these potential answers comes in the form of experienced Norwich City defender Grant Hanley, with Alan Nixon confirming that the Blades are interested alongside Blackburn Rovers.

However, the Lancashire Telegraph has since confirmed that a potential deal for Rovers is off the table.

While he may not be the most ambitious of signings for Sheffield United, he offers stability and could prove a useful backup option to Jack Robinson and Anel Ahmedhodizc.

Sheffield United pundit urges Blades to avoid Hanley

Outside of Sheffield United, Nixon's report also states that a host of other Championship, MLS and Scottish Premiership sides have been monitoring his situation as he enters the final six months of his deal.

Bramall Lane would seemingly be the most appealing prospect of the lot, and we spoke to our resident Sheffield United pundit, Jimmy from the Blades Ramble podcast to get his take on whether they should pursue a move for the 33-year-old.

On this, he said: "I am a huge supporter of the Blades, and I am a huge supporter of Chris Wilder and ultimately, whatever Wilder thinks is best for the club, I will back him. But, in my personal opinion, I don't think Grant Hanley is good enough for Sheffield United.

"I don't think he is better than what we have got and that is saying something because we are depleted in the centre-half area at the moment.

"We certainly need a centre-back, but I don't want Hanley if I am honest.

"I understand that he is a leader, and he would be coming into a youthful group. Which, if there is any substance to it, may play a part in the link.

"But, I don't think he is good enough. He hasn't got the ability, he is too slow and certainly wouldn't be someone who could make the leap to the Premier League with us if we were to be successful.

"If he comes and pulls on the red and white shirt, we will support him, like we do every Blade."

Chris Wilder should be targeting the future

While there can be no question about Hanley's leadership qualities, his lack of gametime at mid-table Norwich would suggest his days in the second tier are numbered.

For this reason, the Blades should avoid the 33-year-old and should instead be looking up a division to see what young defenders they could target.

This year, we have already seen the success of Alfie Gilchrist on loan from Chelsea and with Harry Souttar returning to the King Power, the option for another loan is there.

Wilder's decision on this topic could prove pivotal then, as the Blades wouldn't want to be relying on an ageing Hanley in the latter stages of the season.