Sheffield United are desperately searching around for a right-footed central defender before the start of the Championship season, which is just under two weeks away.
The Blades have a stacked left side of the defence, but the right side is looking quite bare. Anel Ahmedhodzic is the only right-footed senior centre-back at the club, while at right-back two of the club’s three full-backs down that flank are largely inexperienced.
Chris Wilder has been trying to get a deal done for a defender over these last few weeks but so far he has no joy. That could all be about to change however.
Last week, it was reported by John Percy that United have reignited their interest in Leicester City defender Harry Souttar.
The 25-year-old made a total of three Championship appearances for the Foxes last term, and there is now a clear indication that the Australian international is no longer wanted at Leicester by their new boss Steve Cooper after he didn’t include him in the squad to face Palermo last Friday.
Souttar has interest from the Blades, Stoke City and Rangers – where he could line up alongside his brother, John. According to Stoke Sentinel, it is unlikely that the Aussie will return to his former club Stoke.
Wilder is clearly a fan of the big defender, who attempted to sign him in the January transfer window earlier this year. Now he is in for him again, perhaps that speaks volumes to the player and a loan spell with Sheffield United would be his preferred move.
Sheffield United still in search of a central defender
With Anel Ahmedhodzic’s future uncertain, Souttar could eventually become the main starter for United. Either way, the Blades can not afford to start the season with just one senior right-footed central defender at the club.
Sheffield United have previously been linked with Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall, who has a price tag of £4 million, which has seemingly put the Blades off from pursuing this avenue further.
Another player they have been credited with interest in is promising Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist. The 20-year-old has been left out of the Blues’ pre-season tour of America. The player is set to leave Stamford Bridge on loan and the United were said to be favourites to get him, although no reports have emerged since.
Gilchrist is capable of playing as a central defender and as a right-back, but for me, he would definitely be a perfect suit for a back three with him slotting in on the right.
Perhaps the Blades are focused on getting both players in rather than it being one or the other. Wilder can have five loan players in his matchday squad in the Championship, and so far they have not made a loan signing yet. With finances tight and the need for reinforcements on the right of their back four, a couple of loan deals could be the perfect way to solve their depth issue.