Despite an atrocious start to the season, Sheffield United will still be aiming for a top-six finish.

After coming within minutes of securing Premier League football with a penalty shootout last season, things at Bramall Lane have not gone as planned since their play-off final defeat to Sunderland last year.

Chris Wilder’s dismissal proved to be the wrong move, as his successor, Ruben Selles, lasted only six games in South Yorkshire, all of which ended in defeat, before Wilder returned for his third spell in command of Sheffield United.

The Blades’ form has improved since his return to the dugout, but they are still well outside the top six. Still, only a fool would write them off just yet.

Wilder, evidently dissatisfied with the departure of Kieffer Moore and the club’s summer transfer activity, chose to sign former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford on a free transfer to strengthen the club’s attacking ranks.

Tyrese Campbell and Danny Ings have struggled to score consistently this season. However, another of their forward alternatives, who joined the club for an eight-figure deal just over a year ago, could leave this summer.

Tom Cannon signed for Sheffield United for £10 million, but is expected to be sold at a fraction of that figure this summer.

Tom Cannon has had a difficult year since joining Sheffield United for £10 million from Leicester City in January 2025, having previously shone on loan with Preston North End and Stoke City.

The striker scored nine goals in 22 league games for the Potters in the first half of last season, but since moving to South Yorkshire, he has only five goals in more than twice as many league appearances with the Blades.

Jimmy, a Sheffield United fan analyst for Football League World, has shared his thoughts on whether the Blades should contemplate selling Cannon this summer, and if so, how much they might reasonably expect to get in return.

Jimmy stated, “I quite like Tom Cannon.” I have to confess that it hasn’t worked out for him yet at United. I believe there is a player there. “He has previous experience at this level.”I’m not sure if you have to play a certain style to get the best out of him.

I believe he has performed best when paired with Patrick Bamford, but I also believe Patrick Bamford brings out the best in players. “So, tricky on Tom.”I believe that if a good bid comes in for anyone, we must examine it, because we will not have parachutes next year.

What is a reasonable offer to let Tom Cannon go?”The deal is expected to cost around £3 million, which is less than what we paid for him, but reflects his performance at Sheffield United.”So, certainly, if someone comes in with roughly £3 million, I’d accept it. I don’t think that will happen, and I believe he will be with us next season.

Chris Wilder has failed to get the most out of Tom Cannon at Sheffield United.

Indeed, Cannon’s move to Bramall Lane hasn’t gone quite as planned.

His lack of form in front of goal has resulted in only 15 league starts for the Blades this season, with Bamford often preferred over the Irish international as Wilder’s main centre-forward.

With Stoke, Cannon frequently played his finest football alongside a focal point of attack; in this case, Sam Gallagher, with the 23-year-old scoring four goals in one game against Portsmouth when combined with Gallagher.

While Bamford is capable of filling a comparable role, things haven’t turned out that way in South Yorkshire yet.

Sheffield United will almost certainly fail to reclaim the £10 million they paid for him little over a year ago, as he is under contract until the summer of 2029, with the option to extend until 2030 if they wish.

The assumption is that he will stay with the club after the summer, as Wilder will continue to try to get the most out of Cannon, who has already demonstrated his ability to score at this level in far weaker sides.

Cannon, who is still only 23, has plenty of time to prove himself, but Wilder and Blades fans alike will be hoping he does it sooner rather than later for everyone’s benefit.