Danny Mills believes Norwich City are vulnerable to losing influential midfielder Kenny McLean to Sheffield United due to the financial resources at the disposal of the relegated side.

The Blades, who are subject to a takeover bid from an American group, are looking to win promotion back to the Premier League under Chris Wilder this season, and they have made some shrewd additions in recent days by signing Callum O’Hare and Kieffer Moore.

It has been reported that McLean is another player that Wilder wants to sign, as he looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

Danny Mills on Kenny McLean’s Norwich City future

And, speaking to FLW, ex-Canaries defender Mills explained that the Blades have the finances to make this transfer happen, as he suggested McLean will have a big say in whether a move does happen in the window.

He said: “It’s such a tough one for Norwich, as if the money is too good to turn down, it’s then up to the player to really show their loyalty and want to stay, for Norwich to turn down the bid.

“However, the parachute payments from the likes of Sheffield United mean they can spend money which other clubs can’t turn down. It makes it difficult to challenge if you continually lose your top players. But recruitment is key to get in replacements of similar quality.”

Kenny McLean would be a big miss for Norwich City

There’s a lot of excitement around Carrow Road right now, and it’s easy to see why.

Johannes Thorup is the new man in the dugout in Ben Knapper’s first summer as sporting director, so there are new faces as the key decision-makers. In terms of the squad, that likely means change is inevitable, which most fans will welcome.

Yet, there also must be an understanding that Thorup is inheriting a team that finished in the play-off places last season, so there is a lot of quality within the group – and McLean falls into that category.

The Scotland international featured in every game last season, and his importance to the group was shown when he was named as Player of the Year. So, he still has a lot to offer, and his technical ability would mean he is suited to the new approach that Thorup will encourage.

As well as that, you have the leadership qualities that McLean brings to the dressing room, and his know-how, having won multiple promotions, can’t be underestimated either.

Norwich City’s summer transfer plans

Having said that, every player has a price, and, as Mills explains, Sheffield United may have the funds to hit the number that Norwich want, in which case the decision will rest with the player.

With O’Hare and Moore having joined, the Blades are starting to build a talented squad by Championship standards, so McLean may feel they offer a more realistic chance of promotion this season.

If he does depart, Norwich will have to be in the market for a new midfielder, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out ahead of their season opener at Oxford United on August 10.