Sheffield United target Younousse Sankhare seems to have fallen out with his current club Bordeaux amid speculation surrounding his future (L’Equipe via HITC).
It was reported that the midfielder was subject to interest from three British clubs – Cardiff and Swansea being the other two – and that the side which resides in the Welsh capital were in pole position to snap up the 29-year-old.
But the Blades are still looking at him and were dealt some good news this week when the player came out and said he felt as if he was being forced by Bordeaux to go elsewhere.
The former Paris Saint-Germain man signed from Lille in 2017 but managed just four goals and five assists in 33 appearances for Les Girondins last season.
Sheffield United are continuing to try and make deals happen despite having already made five signings this summer and breaking their transfer record twice on Luke Freeman and Lys Mousset.
Sankhare had a strong season in 2017/18 as he managed to bag seven goals from central and defensive midfield in a year which saw Bordeaux finish sixth in Ligue 1.
However, there is a major style difference between how Sankhare likes to play and the current central midfielders at Bramall Lane in John Fleck and Oliver Norwood.
The man who plies his trade in the top tier of French football averaged just 0.3 long balls per game (per WhoScored) last season (as per WhoScored).
Compare that with John Fleck, who’s average is two in the Championship, and Norwood who manages a colossal 7.7.
In addition, Sankhare contributed less tackles, interceptions and clearances despite Bordeaux finishing in the bottom half of Ligue 1 and Sheffield United coming second in the Championship.
So, even if from those statistics you cannot categorically conclude that he is a poor player, what you can conclude is that he is used to a very different style of play.
And with Chris Wilder hoping to give his side the best possible chance of avoiding relegation at the first time of asking by buying smartly, this may be a deal to avoid.
Sheffield United fans, should the club steer clear of Sankhare this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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