On Wednesday, Aftonbladet reported Sheffield United are very close to completing a deal for BK Häcken’s Bénie Traoré. It was also stated that the Blades have agreed a deal with the Swedish club for a fee just under £4m and the terms of the contract with the forward.
The Swedish newspaper further explained that the transfer would be announced in the next few weeks.
Häcken managed a 3-1 win over The New Saints in the Champions League qualifiers on Wednesday. The Sheffield United target wasn’t in the squad for that clash.
Another Swedish outlet, Göteborgs-Posten, got in touch with Häcken CEO Marcus Jodin to get an update on the claims linking the 20-year-old to Sheffield United.
“The reason he is not here today is because he landed late last night from Ivory Coast, where he had been attending the funeral of a loved one. There was no question of gambling for that reason.
“Yes [he will be available for the weekend league clash against IF Brommapojkarna], but the coaches have to decide if he is ready mentally then.”
When asked if the Ivory Coast U21 international’s transfer is ‘imminent’, Jodin said: “I cannot comment on that. But it is also a comment.”
Meanwhile, Traoré was asked about the reports linking him to Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
“Sheffield? They are good and a great club. But I can’t confirm anything because nothing is concrete. I think you will find out about what happens, when it happens,” the player said.
Häcken face The New Saints in the return leg of the Champions League qualifiers in Wales next week.
When asked if he would be available for the clash, Traoré said: “I can’t see into the future, I don’t know.”
Traoré has managed 12 goals for the Swedish club this season.
