Forty years ago: Sheffield United after the world's best prospect
Sheffield United were once in the market for the best prospects in the world.
They tried to sign a teenage Diego Maradona from Argentinos Juniors - and came quite close.


When that didn’t pan out, the Blades turned their attention to Buenos Aires, -born Alex Sabella, who they signed for £160,000 on this day 40 years ago.


Sabella made his debut for the Blades in a 2–1 defeat against Leyton Orient on 19 August 1978.
His final appearance came in a ‘County Cup’ Final victory over Sheffield Wednesday on May 8 1980.
- RELATED: Blade on a Bike sets new goal after £10k target achieved
- RELATED: Eddie Hearn completes 5k in Sheffield ahead of Dalton Smith world title bout
- RELATED: Dad caught with over 100 indecent images of children avoids jail
- RELATED: 'The bitter irony of Sheffield City of Culture fight while gallery closes'