Sheffield United looked at £40m Inter Milan target three years ago

Paul Heckingbottom’s predecessor Chris Wilder held talks with the youngster soon after leading United to a ninth placed top-flight finish three years ago, before discussions with the Londoners broke down for a variety of reasons. Although the deal Wilder had proposed was a loan, The Star understands he wanted United to also negotiate a ‘right to buy’ option after being convinced of Balogun’s talents.

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The pair eventually worked together when Wilder later took charge of Middlesbrough. However, it was during a placement with Reims in Ligue 1 last term where Balogun truly began to show the potential which had earlier prompted United’s then manager and his recruitment gurus, many of whom still remain in South Yorkshire, to make an approach.

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After scoring 21 goals and claiming two assists in France, Balogun is now being chased by some of Europe’s leading names. Champions League finalists Internazionale have reportedly been quoted nearly twice Heckingbottom’s transfer budget this summer by officials at the Emirates Stadium, following exploratory conversations earlier this month.

That figure could rise now that Balogun has netted his first goal for the US national team, having pledged allegiance to the States ahead of England and Nigeria. He was on target during their CONCACAF Nations League victory over Canada over the weekend. Balogun had previously been capped by the Three Lions at under-21 level.

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