Blues Linked With Blade Freeman
Tuesday, 14th Jun 2016 11:08

Town are being linked with transfer-listed Sheffield United right-back Kieron Freeman.

According to various reports, the Blues are monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation, Freeman having been told he can leave the League One Blades despite having a year left on his contract.

Freeman spent the second half of last season on loan at Portsmouth but made only four starts and three substitute appearances for Pompey and missed the play-offs as he was sent off in the final League Two game of the campaign, coincidentally against Northampton, where new Blades manager Chris Wilder was then boss.

Town regularly sent scouts to watch Portsmouth last season to keep tabs on loanee Matt Clarke and Adam Webster, who became the Blues’ first signing of the summer earlier this month, a deal which saw Clarke join Pompey full-time.

Despite his lack of games during his loan spell, Portsmouth boss Paul Cook is keen to sign Freeman on a permanent basis but that deal has been held up while the player and Sheffield United negotiate a settlement of his current contract.

Freeman, a close friend of former Blue Elliott Hewitt, was born in Arnold and came through the youth system at his local club Nottingham Forest.

Having spent time on loan at Mansfield and Notts County, the 5ft 10in tall defender moved on to Derby County in 2012 having made only one senior start and one sub appearance for Forest.

Capped by Wales at U17, U19 levels in addition to 15 caps with the U21s, Freeman spent two further spells out on loan at Notts County, then Sheffield United and again at Mansfield while with the Rams before joining the Blades on a permanent basis in January 2015.

The Blues moving for Freeman would be a surprise given his recent career history, although TWTD reported that Town boss Mick McCarthy had sent scouts to watch him in January 2013 during his time as a Derby player.

McCarthy is keen on signing a right-back having offered Kevin Foley a deal when his short-term contract was up at the end of the season. The former Irish international is currently understood to be weighing up his options.

Meanwhile, Monty Patterson’s senior international debut for New Zealand at the Oceania Nations Cup means his former club, Auckland-based Eastern Suburbs, are due what’s understood to be a small payment from Town.

Patterson, 19, made five appearances for the All Whites as they won the tournament, beating hosts Papua New Guinea on penalties in Saturday’s final.

“We were thrilled for Monty at his selection,” Suburbs chairman Chris Ruffell said. “As a club, we took pride at watching one of our former stars playing for our national team.

“The monies paid by Ipswich will be invested into our coaching programmes to help produce the next budding international.”

Photo: Action Images

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.

Page:
1
2

TomJamesLW added 22:43 - Jun 14

Players only look as good as the level they're currently in.
Andy Johnson, Rickie Lambert, Jamie Vardy, Grant Holt lol... They all made the step up later on.

However they were all doing well in the lower leagues and this guy doesn't even seem able to look good in League 2. If he was a star player for a smaller team would shrewd- spending Ipswich really get a look in though?! Might be worth a punt.

itfccymru added 04:10 - Jun 15 Amusing that people are comparing him to Coke and Toure! (A) They're completely different players and (B) they all play different positions. Agreed it might not be the most inspiring signing if true but at least give the lad a chance before writing him off.
0

THR added 06:21 - Jun 15

If you sign Freeman you will be impressed with him - fact. He's one of very few players that are on Sheffield United's leave list that are worth keeping. I say that as a Blade.

He was brought in by Nigel Clough but hasn't had much opportunity under that nutcase of a manager Nigel Adkins. What I can tell you is he's very skilful, quick feet, good control, likes to take a player on, puts in 100% every match and can play at either full back position (right back being his best) or even as a central defender. I think the lad has had a rough deal at United tbh - he is capable of playing at Championship level for sure and would be a very good inexpensive signing for you.

yorksblue added 08:54 - Jun 15 Yes always dinewell when I've seen him. Should never been loaned out, but Nigel Adkins was totally clueless all season
2

Razor added 10:39 - Jun 15 Would much rather we were linked with young hungry forwards and creative midfield players. Still a little early I guess as most contracts run to June 30th and I believe boss is back next week when things might start to happen----hopefully!!
2

BlueandTruesince82 added 18:32 - Jun 15 Where does anyone above say this might be a brilliant signing? Interesting comments from a couple of blades, wpf love to hear thoughts as to why he couldn't get a game at pompey either?
1

BlueandTruesince82 added 18:33 - Jun 15 To be fair some ppl do seem to like him....
0

BrettenhamBlue added 09:15 - Jun 16 Apparently he had minor niggles whilst on-loan at Pompey. Pompey fans generally not impressed, but Blades fans seem sad to lose him as they rate him highly. Personally think he will make a good acquisition.
0