Championship side Sheffield United may move for Wigan Athletic’s highly rated goalkeeper target Sam Tickle this summer.
The Blades could lose Michael Cooper this summer, having placed a £15m price tag on his back. Both Everton and West Ham United have been linked to a move this summer so far after picking up the club’s player of the season award.
However, the Hammers could instead move for Pierce Charles from rivals Sheffield Wednesday which would likely close down any chance of Cooper departing.
But should the Owls fail to keep hold of Charles, Cooper will be the next on the list.
Sam Tickle an Option for Sheffield United
Sam Tickle is one of the stand out performers in League One over the past couple of seasons. His talent has attracted firm interest from much bigger clubs than Wigan Athletic. Manchester United looked at the player as an option in the past. Whilst Arsenal were close to securing his signature before the player turned down the opportunity. Preston North End were also keen in the past.
Since then he has rarely been out of the transfer headlines and this summer appears to be no different. A Premier League move may be too big a step for the youngster, but a Championship move could be more tempting.
If Sheffield United do require a new goalkeeper this summer, Danny Hall suggests that he would be the option the Blades will pursue.
Huge Loss for Wigan Athletic
Whilst the move is still hypothetical at this stage with lots of moving parts. Seeing one of their prime assets move up to the Championship this close to the season would be a major blow. Replacing someone with the attitude, ability and long-term potential of Tickle would be difficult. Goalkeepers often connect with their defenders over a period of time which will be hard to replace.
Wigan are ambitious with Ryan Lowe at the helm and he will not want to lose him. That being said the window is still open, and the manager does have decent contacts.
