Exclusive: Sunderland and Sheffield United backed to renew transfer battle for Preston star | OneFootball

Speaking exclusively with FLW, David Prutton has been discussing whether Sunderland or Sheffield United would be a better fit for Preston's Emil Riis.

Preston striker Emil Riis looks to be heading towards the Deepdale exit door this summer.

The 26-year-old centre-forward is out of contract with the Lilywhites at the end of the season, having joined the club back in October 2020 from Danish side Randers FC.

Riis has proven himself to be a solid source of goals during his time with North End, and has demonstrated that once again this season, having already hit double figures in the Championship by mid-March.

Sunderland and Sheffield United were linked with a move for the Dane during the winter transfer window, and whilst no move materialised, those clubs could well be eyeing up a possible free agent swoop for him should this prove to be his final few weeks as a Preston player.

"It just depends on" - David Prutton makes claim on Preston's Emil Riis involving Sheffield United, Sunderland

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, David Prutton: 'Preston striker Emil Riis is out of contract this summer and unlikely to sign a new deal at Deepdale. The Dane was linked to Sheffield United and Sunderland in January - where would be the best fit for him? Do you see the likes of the Blades and the Black Cats going back in?'

Prutton said: "I think the way that Sheffield United and Sunderland go about their particular Championship approach, I think there's a certain amount of what Emil can do that would fit both.

"I think there's an abundance going forward for Sheffield United, and Sunderland with Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda, they've got a couple of strikers that do tick different boxes.

"So, whether it would be a case of a player that would lead the line or operate centrally up top - not necessarily needing to be that main focal point but part of the team going forward - I think there's a player in there.

"Good age as well, 26-years old, and very solid Championship experience. It just depends on what they're building for, doesn't it?

"You get teams that potentially are going to get themselves out of the division that look to build with players that can settle in the Premier League, and that is yet to be the case with these two sides.

"A) Getting back into the Premier League from Sunderland's point of view. B) Staying in the Premier League from Sheffield United's point of view."

Sunderland may provide smoother pathway to regular football than Sheffield United for Emil Riis

At 26, Riis is certainly in the prime years of his career, and as such, assurances over playing regular football will be an essential factor if/when he needs to find his next move.

The striker has established himself as a key member of Preston's starting XI over the last few years, and so he surely won't be keen to trade that for a squad role elsewhere.

Sheffield United have a host of centre-forward options on their books. Tyrese Campbell has been in superb form for the Blades in recent times, whilst Chris Wilder is confident that Rhian Brewster will commit his long-term future to the club.

Kieffer Moore remains a quality and experienced option, and the Blades are yet to see the best out of their £10m winter investment, Tom Cannon.

Teenage talent Ryan One is highly regarded at Bramall Lane too, and therefore, Riis would appear to have quite the competition for minutes should he make the move to South Yorkshire.

However, whilst Sunderland also possess some excellent attacking options, the Black Cats perhaps don't boast the depth that the Blades do.

Isidor has shown himself to be a classy player during his debut season at the Stadium of Light, but behind him, 19-year-old Mayenda and 20-year-old Ahmed Abdullahi respectively, provide the only other centre-forward competition.

Therefore, Riis may well view Wearside as his better chance of carving out an important role this summer, but either way, it will be fascinating to see how this saga comes to an end.