Chris Wilder has played down Sheffield United making a move to sign Jamal Blackman permanently, stressing that the Blades will assess any deal at the end of the season.
Blackman is currently at Bramall Lane on a season-long loan from Chelsea, with the goalkeeper impressing in the Sky Bet Championship under Wilder.
Speaking to Jonathan Buchan from BBC Radio Sheffield, Wilder has moved to praise the goalkeeper, but wouldn’t be drawn on Sheffield United’s plans to sign the Chelsea man, saying:
Blackman has made 28 appearances across all competitions for Sheffield United this season, with Wilder preferring the on-loan Chelsea man to Simon Moore – the goalkeeper who helped to deliver promotion from League One last season.
The 24-year-old has started Sheffield United’s last seven Championship fixtures, helping Wilder’s side maintain touching distance with the division’s top-six.
The goalkeeper has kept back-to-back clean sheets, helping United to a 0-0 draw with Ipswich Town and a 2-0 victory over Burton Albion, which has left them seventh in the Championship table.
The Blades are two points adrift of the top-six heading into the final nine fixtures of the season.
Wilder’s side are in action this weekend at Bramall Lane, welcoming Aitor Karanka’s Nottingham Forest.
The Verdict Â
Blackman has been very good this season for Sheffield United, with Wilder’s side performing a lot better with the on-loan Chelsea man in goal.
Wilder will certainly consider a permanent move for the goalkeeper, but with so much still to play for in the Championship, transfers will be at the back of his mind, with the play-offs all the Blades should be focusing on.
Sheffield United fans… Let us know your thoughts!