Shrewsbury Town working to seal Nathan Thomas deal

Boss Paul Hurst tried to sign the 23-year-old last summer but Town failed in a late swoop for the Blades wideman.

Reports of a £175,000 bid are inaccurate and it is unlikely that Shrewsbury will part with that kind of money for Thomas.

But they still hope to see off competition for the ex-Sunderland youngster.

Thomas, who flourished at Hartlepool last season before earning an initial £200,000 move to the Blades, has barely featured for Chris Wilder’s men, playing just 16 minutes in the Championship.

It is thought Thomas, who still has two-and-a-half years to run on his Bramall Lane contract, would be keen on a move to Town, where he would secure regular game time in Hurst’s 4-4-2 formation.

He would fight with Alex Rodman and Shaun Whalley for a place in the team in a position where the squad has lacked depth this season.

The fact that Shrews are flying in the higher reaches of League One could also be a factor that weighs in their favour.

Town currently have four loans in their ranks, with a maximum of five permitted in an EFL matchday squad, meaning that it is possible Hurst will look to add an extra one.

Hurst has been looking to bolster his light squad with cover, particularly in wide areas.

Former loan favourite Sullay Kaikai opted to join Charlton on loan from Crystal Palace last week instead of a Montgomery Waters Meadow return. He wanted to stay in London, while location has also been a factor in Town missing another target.

Shrewsbury are also actively pursuing another player ahead of tomorrow’s transfer deadline.

Hurst and the club’s hierarchy are working tirelessly behind the scenes to negotiate with agents and clubs. The boss is said to have a few balls in the air ahead of what is set to be an exciting end to the window for Town fans.