Sheffield United have made a shock bid for the former Premier League manager

All eyes are on Sheffield United this summer with an American takeover in the making and amid it all the club are set to undergo one of the biggest squad rebuilds in their recent history.

Just a few days ago, the Blades finally announced their hold list and released it to the public. But as expected, the announcement didn’t tell us anything specific new. United are in talks with Oli McBurnie, Adam Davies, John Egan and Ben Osborn over a new deal.

Meanwhile, Daniel Jebbison has another offer on the table, which the club must make for compensation reasons. Even if the player rejects the offer, the Blades will be entitled to some form of compensation due to the player’s age.

In addition, it has been confirmed that the club have exercised their 12-month options on Jayden Bogle and Rhys Norrington-Davies.

The Blades said goodbye to: Jordan Amissah, Chris Basham, George Baldock, Wes Foderingham, Max Lowe, Ollie Norwood, as well as loanees: Mason Holgate, Yasser Larouci, James McAtee and Ben Brereton-Diaz.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: A detailed view inside the pitch during the pre-season friendly match between Sheffield United and VfB Stuttgart at Bramall Lane on August 05, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Graham Chadwick/Getty Images)

In a shock report, the Daily Mail revealed that Sheffield United, along with Burnley, have made an offer to former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper.

The 44-year-old was sacked as manager by the Reds in December, with Nuno Espirito Santo taking over. And despite being sacked, Cooper is still highly regarded in English football. Cooper averaged 1.68 points per game throughout his managerial career.

Cooper has attracted interest from both Burnley and Sheffield United following their relegation to the Championship, both clubs keen to boost their chances of a swift return to the Premier League. Despite their interest, Brighton remain favorites to secure the services of the talented Welshman.

Of course, most would expect the Clarets to be interested in securing his services after Vincent Kompany was poached by German giants Bayern Munich this week. Meanwhile, the Blades have a childhood supporter at the helm and one who is considered by many to be the right man for the job this summer.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brentford FC at Bramall Lane on December 09, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

I can’t say I’m shocked by this information, and it effectively confirms that these recent takeover talks are legit. I can’t imagine Prince Abdullah parting ways with Chris Wilder this summer – I can certainly see a scenario where an American consortium would prefer someone younger but proven like Steve Cooper, though.

Despite these claims, they are likely to come to nothing anyway as Brighton & Hove Albion step up their approach for the sought-after 44-year-old Welsh manager. But what it suggests to me, at least, is that this consortium will be in power at Sheffield United sooner than the supporters imagined.