TRANSFER RUMOUR
The preponed transfer deadline of 9th August forced the Premier League clubs to conclude their business early, but the other leagues of English football are still allowed to negotiate loan deals up to 31st August and Sheffield United, who lost both of their opening encounters, are reportedly eyeing a move for Aston Villa outcast Scott Hogan, sources from Football Insider understand.
MORE ON THE PLAYER
The 26-year-old Republic Of Ireland international joined the Villans from Brentford for a fee rumoured to be in the region of £12m but has failed to prove his worth so far in his one and a half year spell at Villa Park. He was released by League Two outfit Rochdale back in 2010 but impressed enough in non-league football to be snapped up again by the Dale three years later. Hogan maintained an impressive scoring run and eventually secured a £750,000 move to Championship new boys Brentford next summer. There he had an unfortunate spell through injury but netted 21 times in 33 league outings in three seasons which, however, proved to be enough to seal a prestigious switch to Aston Villa.
PROMOTION HEARTBREAK
The Claret and Blues, under Steve Bruce, narrowly missed out on promotion last season following a play-off final defeat to ten-man Fulham and the Irishman found the net only 10 times altogether in 54 appearances since his high-profile transfer from Brentford. The player was not included in their teamsheets against Hull City and Wigan Athletic due to an alleged groin strain but a loan move is likely to be sanctioned later this month. He has fallen down the pecking order behind Jonathan Kodjia and Jack Grealish with the latter being deployed further up the pitch in recent fixtures.
WHAT WILL HE OFFER?
Sheffield United, meanwhile, clinched a tenth-placed finish last season on their return to Championship football and are eyeing a place in the playoffs to accelerate a top-flight promotion. But Chris Wilder, the Blades boss, suffered two back to back defeats versus Swansea City followed by Middlesbrough and although he grabbed a 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon, further reinforcements are required to increase depth as well as versatility up front. United have signed David McGoldrick on a Bosman transfer from Ipswich Town who is now being rotated alongside Billy Sharp and Leon Clarke. However, all the striking options are in their 30s and the gaffer, therefore, is eying a younger yet distinct individual experienced enough in Championship circuit.
Hogan, too, should welcome a fresh start elsewhere where he will be handed a crucial role and get the chance to have an impact on proceedings regularly.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
