"If the takeover doesn’t happen" - Pundit questions potential Sheffield United, Norwich City transfer | OneFootball

The pundit has spoke exclusively to Football League World about the Blades' targeting of the forward.

Carlton Palmer has expressed his surprise at reports that have stated that Sheffield United are taking an interest in Norwich City's Ashley Barnes.

According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, the Blades are keen on the 35-year-old ahead of the January transfer window with Chris Wilder looking to convert his side's good start to the season into promotion back to the Premier League.

The Yorkshire club are in the midst of an injury crisis at present, but they have not let that halt their momentum, and they went three points clear at the top of the Championship at the weekend following a 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Palmer gives verdict on Barnes, Sheffield United link

Sheffield United are on an excellent run of form, and are now unbeaten in 10 games, winning eight of those after suffering their first and only two defeats of the campaign to Leeds United and Middlesbrough in October.

However, despite the positives, there is still a desire from Wilder to improve his side and make sure that they do not let this position slip.

Nevertheless, for player-turned-pundit Palmer, a move for Barnes would not be one that he could see the Blades making next month.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, he said: "There are rumours circulating that Sheffield United and Chris Wilder might make a surprise move for Norwich veteran Ashley Barnes.

"I think the problem that Chris Wilder has, I mean he's top of the league, he's done unbelievably well, they’re three points clear and had two points deducted and he's had injuries. As I’ve said before, he did great in his recruitment in the summer, but he's got a natural starting XI.

"If he picks up injuries, which he has done, then it's a problem for him. He fielded six academy players in their draw away at West Bromwich Albion. So, it’s been a very difficult period for Sheffield United and, in particular, Chris Wilder, and they've still managed to get to the top of the league, so would it make sense?

"What Wilder is hoping is that the takeover will happen. He has, I believe, two or three loan players that he could use, and I think Chris would like to utilise that, but on a short-term basis it could work, I think."

Palmer continued: "In the past, they did it with Gary Madine and Scott Hogan and it worked out for them. But in the long-term, he wouldn't be the answer given his age. I'm sure these are just rumours. I'll be very, very surprised to see Chris Wilder move for somebody like Ashley Barnes.

"He's looking for somebody who's mobile, obviously, they want somebody to score goals and get up there and somebody who's mobile. So, it would very much surprise me given the youthfulness of the Sheffield United squad.

"I think that anybody that he would bring into the football club would be a younger age. I really can't see this happening and I don't know where these rumours have surfaced from, but obviously Chris Wilder, given the situation, if the takeover does not happen, then maybe the likes of Ashley Barnes may be somebody he might have to look at."

A move for Barnes would be an incredible shock

While he does have an excellent level of experience, bringing Barnes to Sheffield United does not seem to be a decision that Wilder should make, especially given his lack of action this season.

The 35-year-old has struggled with injury this season, and even considered retirement after suffering a set-back in October.

He is yet to play a full 90 minutes in 2024/25, and while he will be solid cover in the forward positions if the Blades have further fitness issues of their own, Barnes is not the player that they should target.

Sheffield United are looking at multiple players to fill in up front, with Ben Brereton Diaz and Ricky-Jade Jones also targets, and given their age, they seem like much better choices than Barnes.