- Sheffield United make fresh contract offer to McBurnie, who is free agent ahead of upcoming Championship season.
- McBurnie in talks to stay at Sheffield United amidst financial concerns and competition from new signing Kieffer Moore.
- Possible partnership with Moore could boost club’s promotion hopes, highlighting importance of retaining McBurnie’s experience.
Sheffield United have reportedly made a fresh approach to try and convince Oli McBurnie to remain at Bramall Lane.
According to The Star, the Blades have made another contract offer to the forward following the conclusion of his latest deal with the club.
McBurnie is currently a free agent after his contract expired earlier this summer, meaning he is open to sign for any team.
But the Yorkshire outfit are working to tie him down to at least another year, as Chris Wilder looks to build a team for the upcoming Championship campaign.
McBurnie has been with Sheffield United since 2019, joining from Swansea City to become a key figure in the first team squad.
Oli McBurnie contract latest
The Scot has been looking to maintain his fitness as he figures out the next step in his career.
The 28-year-old has held talks with Sheffield United over signing a new contract to remain with the club.
However, the situation has reportedly been complicated by the takeover saga surrounding the Blades at the moment.
Financial issues have been a concern at Bramall Lane, with current owner Prince Abdullah seeking external investment.
The arrival of Kieffer Moore from Bournemouth has also added another wrinkle to the matter, with the forward potentially set to take game time from McBurnie if he were to remain with the team.
However, despite the arrival of the Welshman, Wilder remains keen to keep the forward at the club after he was the side’s joint top scorer in the league last season.
McBurnie contributed six goals and three assists from 21 appearances in the Premier League, as the team suffered relegation with a 20th place finish (all stats from Fbref).
Sheffield United’s summer business so far
Sheffield United have overseen the departures of several first team squad members since suffering relegation to the Championship.
Jayden Bogle, Daniel Jebbison and Cameron Archer have all fetched fees for their permanent departures from Bramall Lane.
Max Lowe, George Baldock, Ben Osborn, Wes Foderingham, Chris Basham, Oliver Norwood and John Egan are all among the players to depart for nothing.
Meanwhile, Moore has been joined by Callum O’Hare, Jamie Shackleton and Sam McCallum in arriving at Bramall Lane this summer.
Sheffield United have until 30 August to finalise any remaining business, but can sign a new deal to retain McBurnie beyond that deadline due to him being a free agent.
McBurnie staying would be beneficial for Sheffield United
The addition of Moore should not prevent McBurnie from being retained by Sheffield United, in theory.
The pair can work together, and that kind of firepower could help propel the club into promotion contention for next season.
Wilder should be keen to keep the 28-year-old given how much experience he also brings to the dressing room.
While it remains to be seen whether McBurnie can be convinced to stay, it would be a real boost to the squad if a new deal could be agreed ahead of their Championship return.
That said, Moore and McBurnie do have a similar skill set so the former’s arrival would soften the blow if a contract with the latter could not be agreed
