Blades weigh up New Year bid for Fleetwood striker

The Gazette understands the Blades made several offers for the 22-year-old in the hours leading up to last Thursday’s transfer deadline.

The American website Bleachers Report was granted access to Bramall Lane on deadline day and states that Fleetwood finally agreed a deal for Cole 25 minutes before the 11pm deadline after two days of discussions between the clubs.

But despite frantic efforts the paperwork was not completed in time.

Blades boss Chris Wilder blamed “other people within the industry” for denying Cole a move up a to the Championship.

The Sheffield Star reports the South Yorkshire club will look into the reasons why their attempts to sign the player failed before deciding whether to renew their efforts in the next window in the New year.

United were the unnamed Championship club referred to by Fleetwood head coach Uwe Rosler when he revealed 48 hours before the deadline that a bid for Cole had been received.

Cole has scored four goals in his last three games and Rosler revealed the son of former Manchester United and England forward Andrew was left out of last Tuesday’s squad to face Leicester Under-21s in the Checkatrade Trophy because of the bid.

Now the deal is off, Cole is preparing to face Oldham as Town return to League One action at Highbury this Saturday.

Town have made no secret that all their players are for sale at the right price but it is understood the club is happy to have kept hold of all its young stars last month.

Rosler revealed that phonecalls were received throughout the summer about the availability of stars like Amari’i Bell, Cian Bolger and even Town’s own summer swoops Kyle Dempsey and Conor McAleny.

Town’s other recruits in a busy summer included Harvey Rodgers, development squad duo Michael Donohue and Harrison Biggins, as well as loan signings Lewie Coyle, Jordy Hiwula and Aiden O’Neill.

The club is in a position of strength, with wing-back Bell the only first-team player who will be out of contract at the end of this season.

And contract negotiations with the 23-year-old are expected to begin in good time.