According to The Star, Sheffield United were interested in Ipswich striker Martyn Waghorn and had tabled a bid in the region of £4million. However, the Tractor Boys have slapped a price tag of £8m-£10m for the former Rangers attacker. Now, a report from Sky Sports has claimed that Chris Wilder has admitted that Sheffield have been priced out of the move. But despite Ipswich’s high demands, should Sheffield United splash the cash?
Statistically speaking, Waghorn enjoyed his best campaign during his debut season at the Ibrox, netting 20 goals in 25 matches. After another season, the 28-year-old moved to Ipswich Town.
An impressive debut season at Portman Road saw him score 16 goals and assisting 11. After his brilliant performances, it comes as no surprise that he has attracted interest from Wilder’s Sheffield United. Last season, the Blades scored a total of 62 goals in the Championship.
In fact, 33-year-old Clarke chipped in with 19 goals while 32-year-old Sharp scored 13. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Clarke and Sharp topped the goalscoring chart for Chris Wilder’s team. Hence, Sheffield United must scan the market for reinforcements this summer.
Waghorn has been identified as a priority target by Wilder but should Sheffield meet Ipswich’s lofty demands?
A graduate of Sunderland’s Academy of Light, Waghorn has turned out for 8 sides in the Championship, Premier League and Scottish Premiership over his career that has spanned close to a decade.
He has ample experience in the Championship, having made over 200 appearances for the likes of Charlton Athletic, Leicester City, Hull City, Millwall, Wigan Athletic and Ipswich Town. In the process, Waghorn has scored 49 goals and assisted a further 34. The 26 year-old, who can play as a centre-forward and on either flank, has averaged a goal every 244 minutes in the Championship.
Waghorn will enter the last year of his contract at Portman Road next season. Ipswich could either be forced to cash in on the player or risk losing him for free next summer.
Although the player’s price tag is undeniably high, Waghorn could add squad depth, healthy competition and take some pressure off Clarke and Sharp. A goalscoring threat from direct free-kicks and set-pieces, Waghorn could be an asset for the Blades who often struggled to put the game beyond their opponents last season.
Read More: Should Sheffield United actually consider raid on bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday for striker?
Blessed with excellent crossing skills, an eye for key passes and a strong aerial presence, Waghorn could offer Wilder a different dimension up front. Averaging 2.4 shots per game and with a penchant for long shots, Wilder should do everything he can to land his man as he rebuilds a squad that has already lost key players like David Brooks.
