Leicester City are eyeing a transfer swap with Sheffield United to replace Harry Souttar with defender Mark McGuinness before the deadline. Russell Martin needs immediate defensive cover following Ben Nelson’s ACL injury as negotiations over Souttar’s exit intensify.
Martin’s defensive unit is stretched to breaking point early in the campaign. Leaving Wout Faes out amid transfer interest leaves the Foxes desperate for seasoned muscle at the back. Possessing exceptional aerial dominance and composure in possession, McGuinness offers the exact tactical profile Martin demands to dominate build-up play. Speaking after the opener at Notts County, Martin conceded: “I’m really happy with the group we have, genuinely, [it’s] really young,” but acknowledged seasoned leadership is vital. The Foxes boss warned: “We could probably [do with] a couple of guys that have been there and done it to help us manage a game in that way. We’ll see, but I’m not sure. There’s nothing imminent in the next day or two.”
Chris Wilder is actively chasing Souttar to bolster Bramall Lane, opening a clear path for a swap deal. McGuinness has quickly fallen out of favor under Wilder despite his arrival last summer. Discussing the defender’s future alongside Nils Zatterstrom, Wilder admitted: “They’ve played or been involved in pre-season. They understand it, their agents understand it and they’re working hard on it. Nils is a young player but he needs football.”
The Blades manager knows fringe stars will not accept bench roles. He emphasized: “Both of the boys’ attitudes in pre-season have been outstanding but sometimes there are decisions that you have to make. They all want to go and play first-team football as well. Mark never came here to not be involved and Nils wanted to push to get into the first team.”
Inserting McGuinness into negotiations for Souttar solves major head-aches for both clubs. Leicester get an aggressive defender capable of breaking lines, while Sheffield United secure their long-term target. With time running out in the transfer window, Martin must pull the trigger on this double deal to salvage his defensive structure.
