Sheffield United 'in talks over Mama Balde move'

The 27-year-old enjoyed a productive season in the French top flight last term, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists for teammates in 34 Ligue 1 appearances.

Balde has made the net ripple on 15 occasions in 65 matches since securing a switch to Troyes from fellow French outfit Dijon in the summer of 2021.

The forward is also a regular for his national side, having played 15 times for Guinea-Bissau since making his debut over three years ago.

According to L'Equipe, Sheffield United are in talks with Troyes over a potential move for Balde in the latter stages of this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that discussions have been ongoing for a number of weeks as the Blades aim to bolster their attacking ranks before the window shuts on September 1.

It is understood that Paul Heckingbottom's men will have to pay a fee greater than €6m (£5.1m) for Balde, however the Premier League newcomers are said to have money to spend following some high-profile departures.

Last season's top scorer Iliman Ndiaye has secured a move to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille for £15m, whereas towering midfielder Sander Berge has been snatched away by Vincent Kompany's Burnley for £12m.

Heckingbottom has recently stated the club's need to recruit more attackers before the window shuts, with the Blades having to rely on youngsters to lead the line in their first two top-flight matches.

Will Osula and Benie Traore have been the forward pairing for United's losses against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, however neither have managed to register a goal or an assist so far.

With two years left on his current deal in France, Troyes are in a commanding position to earn a good amount of money from the sale of Balde to Sheffield United or other interested parties this summer.

A separate report from Sky Sports News has suggested that Burnley and Everton are also in the race for the striker's signature, as well as clubs in France and Germany.

The Blades will be looking to earn their first points of the Premier League season when they welcome current champions Manchester City to Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon.