Why Sheffield United should go all out to sign Jeff Hendrick in January

According to a report from the Sun, Sheffield United are already planning a January swoop for Burnley midfielder Jeff Hendrick.

Sheffield United made their mark over the summer, breaking their transfer record an astonishing four times in preparation for life in the Premier League. But it seems that Chris Wilder is already planning further additions despite the fact that the new season has just commenced.

Jeff Hendrick, 27, signed for Burnley from Derby County in 2016 and he is now entering the final 12 months of his contract. So Sean Dyche may be forced to cash in on the Republic of Ireland international when the transfer window reopens rather than losing him for free in the summer of 2020.

That being said, Sheffield United must go all out to sign Hendrick on a cut-price deal during the January transfer window.

Muhamed Besic arrived as a deadline day loan from Everton to strengthen Chris Wilder’s squad at Bramall Lane. Wilder enjoyed a very successful transfer window as he managed to reinforce the areas that appeared thin on paper following their promotion to the Premier League.

Despite adding midfielders Ben Osborn, Ravel Morrison, Luke Freeman this summer, the idea of signing Hendrick from Burnley in January won’t be a bad one.

A tireless performer off the ball, Hendrick is predominantly a central midfielder by Burnley boss Sean Dyche has often used him on the right flank.

He isn’t the most imposing midfielder in the Premier League but the Republic of Ireland international is technically very sound and has an excellent engine which helps him run diligently throughout a game. He is a top tackler and expert at intercepting opposition’s advances.

The former Derby County man has a good passing range as well and is always keen on playing on the front foot and making forward passes. Hendrick’s versatility to operate anywhere across the midfield could prove to be appealing to Wilder, who likes rotating between 3-4-1-2 and 3-5-2.

Read more Sheffield United news, click here – Sheffield United latest news

Also, the Dublin-born midfielder boasts decent Premier League experience and that could come handy for United, who will need some kind of boost in January to retain their Premier League status.

Verdict

So Hendrick has just five months to show why he could prove to be a smart signing for the Blades.