In a dramatic twist, Sheffield United’s hierarchy is being accused of fabricating a transfer rumor involving Leeds United striker Joel Piroe, seemingly as a retaliatory move in the transfer market. According to BBC Leeds journalist Adam Pope, the Blades deliberately leaked false information, suggesting that Leeds were trying to offload Piroe as part of a deal to sign Gustavo Hamer.

Leeds United has firmly denied the claims, but such rumors have the potential to unsettle players, especially those already struggling for form. Piroe, who was reportedly surprised by the speculation, could have faced a hit to his confidence if the story had gained traction.

The origins of this rumor seem to stem from Sheffield United’s frustration over Leeds’ previous pursuit of Jaiden Bogle, followed by an approach for Gustavo Hamer. Allegedly, tensions ran so high that Blades boss Chris Wilder threatened to resign if Hamer was sold for Leeds’ proposed £18 million fee. In response, the club is said to have increased the asking price to £22 million, effectively pricing Leeds out of the deal.

Speaking on his “Don’t Go To Bed Yet” podcast, Popey didn’t mince his words: “There’s a lot of dispute over Joel Piroe. If I’m being honest, from what I’ve been told, that rumor wasn’t true. It was more done as a retaliation to disrupt. So I’m not buying it.”

The transfer window might be closed, but the mind games between these Yorkshire rivals are clearly heating up!