Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has placed a £4 million bid for QPR midfielder Luke Freeman, Alan Nixon understands.
The former Arsenal trainee impressed for QPR last term, with 13 goal involvements in 43 Championship appearances for The Hoops. His performances resulted in the 27-year-old being awarded the club’s Player of the Year award, instrumental in helping his side avoid relegation to League One.
Consistently good performances in the Championship at both Bristol City and QPR have proven Freeman worthy of a step up to Premier League football. If a fee is agreed between the two clubs, Freeman will be the first of Chris Wilder’s signings since the The Blades were promoted as Championship runners-up last term. However, the £4 million fee proposed by Sheffield United has certainly raised a few eyebrows, some of whom obviously value the midfielder at more than £4 million.
Sheffield United bidding £4m for Luke Freeman is a bit a joke, surely? He’s worth at least double that.
— Tom Carnduff (@TomC_22) June 21, 2019
.@Blades_analytic – opinions on QPR's Luke Freeman signing for the Blades at £4m?
Seems like an absolute bargain to me?
— Josh (@tequilarino) June 21, 2019
The departure of Freeman has appeared inevitable this summer, with the midfielder linked with a move away from Loftus Road since the climax of the 2018/19 season. In the past few weeks Freeman has been linked to Leeds United, with speculation increasing after the QPR ace commended Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa. However, it is now Sheffield United who have emerged as the frontrunners for Freeman’s signature. The move for Freeman is likely the start of an attacking overhaul at Brammall Lane, with The Blades also preparing a £15 million bid for Swansea striker Oli McBurnie.
The Hoops, meanwhile, will already be looking for replacements for Luke Freeman. It must be questioned whether the gap could be filled by current midfielder Eberechi Eze, who has been given the No.10 shirt by Rangers. If 20-year-old Eze is not deemed an immediate replacement, it has been reported by the Daily Mail that the club having been tracking the availability of Wales international Jonny Williams, who will become a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Charlton Athletic.
