Club eye Celtic star as ‘replacement’ for Leeds United target after £13m bid rejected
Sheffield United look to be preparing for the possible exit of Gustavo Hamer with reports suggesting a replacement has already been lined up.
Hamer emerged as a shock target for Leeds United on Monday evening, with The Star reporting on a £13million bid. Sheffield United are thought to have seen that number as derisory and rejected it outright, and it remains to be seen whether Elland Road recruitment chiefs will return with an improved offer before Friday’s deadline.
Having seen Hamer’s relegation release clause expire earlier this summer, there was growing optimism he would stay at Bramall Lane but whether it be Leeds or someone else returning with another bid, Sheffield United look to be putting contingency plans in place. Journalist Alan Nixon reports they have identified Celtic winger Mikey Johnston as a possible successor, should the Dutchman leave.
Johnston remains on the fringes of first-team action at Celtic but showed he is more than good enough for the Championship during a six-month loan spell at West Brom last season. The tricky winger registered seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances to help Carlos Corberan’s side reach the play-offs.
Hamer has been deployed in a somewhat unnatural left-midfield role, albeit with the remit of drifting centrally, and his exit would open up the chance for Chris Wilder to bring in a more orthodox wide man. Sheffield United remain hopeful of keeping the 27-year-old but have been unable to rule out any exits, with Wilder admitting earlier this week that serious bids will be considered.
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