Sheffield United may have chance to sign Rak-Sakyi permanently as Crystal Palace plan emerges (opinion)

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Crystal Palace have been very active in the first week of the January transfer window – and those over at Sheffield United may be taking a keen interest in what the south Londoners are doing.

TBR Football understand Crystal Palace are ready to bid for Ben Doak again – after Liverpool rejected an opening offer worth £15m for the Scotland international.

As that situation drags on – Ipswich Town are also keen – Crystal Palace have also made an approach for Romain Esse at Millwall, another winger who possesses a very similar profile to Doak.

As these sagas remain in the balance, we wonder what Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is thinking at Sheffield United.

Crystal Palace do not seem to be saving a spot for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi

As Dougie Freedman – Director of Football at Crystal Palace – pursues Doak and Esse this month, the England U21 international must have plenty on his mind at Bramall Lane.

Rak-Sakyi, currently on loan at Sheffield United from Crystal Palace, has never really been given a proper chance in south London, making just six Premier League appearances as a substitute – totalling 133 minutes – across the entirety of last season before being sent to Bramall Lane.

Now – crucially – both Esse and Doak are very similar profiles to the 22-year-old.

Rak-Sakyi, the Millwall No.25 and the Scottish wonderkid all typically line up on the right flank, where they cut inside on their stronger left foot.

With Oliver Glasner already using the impressive Ismaila Sarr in that position – who was named Player of the Month at Crystal Palace for December – and bids going in for Doak and Esse, it feels like the Eagles are not preparing for the future with Rak-Sakyi in mind.

As such, the door could open for Sheffield United to sign the Londoner on a permanent basis, if Freedman is able to bring either Doak or Esse – or even both – to SE25.

Crystal Palace also like West Brom No.31 Tom Fellows – another winger who usually plays on the right – to add further credence to our theory.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi would be a great signing for Sheffield United

If the Blades receive any encouragement over a permanent deal for Rak-Sakyi, they must act.

The Crystal Palace academy graduate has scored four goals and provided two assists in 21 Championship appearances for Sheffield United so far this season, impressing with his directness and eye for goal out on the right flank.

With Sheffield United currently sat third under Chris Wilder, a permanent deal could well be explored, should promotion be secured and Crystal Palace sign a new winger – in our view at least.