Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle could make a return to Sheffield United this summer on another loan deal.
The Englishman, along with James McAtee, spent last season on loan with the Yorkshire club, helping them make their way out of the Championship and into the Premier League.
Back in June, it was reported that the newly promoted club had met with Txiki Begiristain to discuss the futures of McAtee and Doyle.
With over two weeks left until the summer transfer window closes, some fresh behind-the-scenes details have emerged regarding the Blades’ stance on bringing Doyle, in particular, back to Bramall Lane.
Blades handed fresh encouragement over Doyle loan
A recent report from The Sheffield Star had this to say on the matter.
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It said: “Tommy Doyle continues to be a name on the lips of many Blades fans after his successful loan spell at Bramall Lane last season, alongside Manchester City teammate James McAtee.
“Premier League regulations have ruled out the chances of another double-deal while the Blades are in the top flight and Doyle’s salary at the Etihad has always made a permanent deal unlikely, but another loan is very much on the cards.
“[Paul] Heckingbottom remains in regular contact with City over Doyle, and has also been linked with his teammate Cole Palmer.
“But Palmer and McAtee have both been named in City’s squad for their Super Cup clash with Sevilla this week – with Doyle omitted.
“That has been interpreted in some quarters as a sign that Doyle does not feature in Pep Guardiola’s plans for the upcoming season, giving United further encouragement that he may return before the end of the deadline.”
During his time at the Yorkshire club last season, the 21-year-old started 25 of the 38 games he appeared in across all competitions, scoring four goals and delivering seven assists along the way.
Given Doyle’s lack of senior action so far this season and having been left out of the Super Cup squad as the report mentioned, it’s easy to see why the Blades are encouraged that they could land another loan deal for Doyle in the coming weeks.
In our view, we feel that if regular first team action isn’t likely to be coming his way at City this season, sending him out on loan back to Sheffield United where he could be playing top-flight football on a consistent basis could be the best option for all parties.