Late yesterday evening it was being reported that Sheffield United had finally won the race to secure the services of Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan.
Interest from the Blades in the 26-year-old forward has been long established and there were some links in the summer transfer window when it came to a potential loan deal, and that speculation on the rumour mill ramped up as January neared.
Villa have categorically never used the Irishman to his strengths at the top of the pitch, and the double million signing is considered a flop by many with only ten goals returned in his 32 starting appearances and 29 substitute showings.
I personally had high hopes for him once he was reunited with former gaffer Dean Smith, but Tammy Abraham’s form in front of goal has kept that particular door closed.
Late last night Sky Sports were reporting that amidst plenty of interest from the likes of Bristol City and a couple of other second tier sides, United had stolen the march and Hogan was with them for a medical ahead of a loan move – that wasn’t necessarily with a buy clause.
Whatever anyone thinks of Hogan’s relative merits if this didn’t follow him at Rochdale and Brentford, I’ll eat my own hat if this doesn’t backfire on us. United are mounting a challenge on the automatic spots and under Chris Wilder and his style, I think he’ll thrive.
If Smith doesn’t feel – with Tammy – he can accommodate Hogan – yes loan him out, but not to a promotion hopeful.
Offer him to Paul Lambert – he needs all the help he can get.
