Chris Wilder reveals how close Coventry City were to signing Patrick Bamford – Frank Lampard talks confirmed

Chris Wilder has revealed that he discussed Patrick Bamford with Coventry City boss Frank Lampard prior to signing the forward for Sheffield United, whilst also claiming it was “touch and go” whether the Sky Blues took a punt on the one-cap England international.

The Blades confirmed the move for the ex-Leeds United player during the November international break, with the Championship side looking to bolster their attacking options.

The 32-year-old departed Elland Road in the summer, and was a free agent prior to his move to Bramall Lane, with his last game coming on 3 May in a 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle.

However, he was training with the Sky Blues in the weeks leading up to confirmation of his arrival at the Yorkshire outfit.

Bamford made 17 appearances for the Whites last season, all of which came as a substitute, with the team clinching the Championship title, before his time with the club came to an end after seven years.

Chris Wilder reveals Patrick Bamford talks with Frank Lampard

Wilder has revealed that he discussed Bamford with Lampard prior to his signing at Sheffield United, suggesting that he almost signed for Coventry instead.

He believes the forward is ready to jump into the first team squad after his five weeks of training with the Sky Blues, as well as the 45 minutes of action he had for the U21 side earlier this week.

“Pat’s been good,” said Wilder, via the BBC.

“He was at Coventry for over five weeks and I spoke to Frank about him as well.

“It was touch and go whether they took him.

“I think Pat thought that he’d get more minutes for us as well.

“They’ve got an outstanding front line, Coventry, and Pat still wants to play, which I think is really refreshing.

“He’s in good shape.

“We’ve done a medical.

“He played 45 minutes for the U21s earlier this week and he’s ready to go.”

Sheffield United have struggled for goals in the Championship so far this season, scoring just 11 from their opening 15 fixtures.

Wilder will be hoping that Bamford’s arrival can help improve the Blades’ attacking output, as they look to avoid a relegation battle this season.

The Yorkshire outfit are currently 22nd in the table, three points adrift of safety.

Next up for Sheffield United is a trip to face local rivals Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Sunday in a 12pm kick-off.

Patrick Bamford signing will bolster Sheffield United

Bamford wasn’t able to make much of an impact at Leeds last season, but Daniel Farke’s side had attacking options like Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph ahead of him in the pecking order.

Not only will he bring valuable experience to the side, but he can also prove that he is still a Championship calibre player.

There will be some concerns over his fitness, but perhaps having the last few months away from the game will prove beneficial.

Given the options available in the free agent market at the moment, this could prove a very smart piece of short-term business for Sheffield United, made even sweeter by the fact Bamford wants to get minutes under his belt and how close he came to signing for Coventry.