Paul Heckingbottom could have a surprise package as decision due on Sheffield United midfielder

Could Ismaila Coulibaly be Sheffield United's surprise package next season? The midfielder is expected to link up with the Blades in pre-season and will be keen to learn his fate under manager Paul Heckingbottom.

The 21-year-old Malian, who has spent the past two seasons at United World sister club Beerschot, trained with United in March during the international window so that Heckingbottom could have a look for himself.

Heckingbottom hinted that there is work for him to do to reach the standards set under the current Blades boss, when he admitted he 'needs to understand that if he wants to come and get in our team he's going to have to work harder than the rest'.

However, he was pleased with what he saw and believes there is plenty of potential in the young midfielder. It is not known how close he is to being part of United's senior squad but is unlikely to return to Beerschot next season.

Their relegation to 1B means should Coulibaly feature for the Antwerp-based side next season he would lose his visa to play in this country. He is also considered too good for that division and a return would not make sense.

It will leave just two options for Heckingbottom. Keep him as part of the Championship squad for the 2022-23 campaign, or loan him out elsewhere to a team where his visa points remain.

Heckingbottom is expected to spend the summer with him and offer him the chance to prove his worth before making a decision later in the window. He has plenty to offer the Blades boss if he feels he is up to standard.

A box to box midfielder who has an ability to time his runs into the area and find the net, he is also good under pressure and can turn well with his back to play and break.

He had an excellent first season, which