Interestingly, reported Sheffield United £5m-rated transfer target Ben Davies has apparently played his last game for Preston North End.
That’s according to Lilywhites manager Alex Neil.
“Ben would have been fit to be in the squad today but we’ve signed some new lads who need to get minutes now.
“He’s made it clear to us his future doesn’t lie here come the end of the season so I need to give the other lads game time”, Neil told Preston’s official site after their loss to Bristol City.
Genk and Celtic are also said to be interested in the defender.
In other news Blades boss Chris Wilder has explained Jack Rodwell’s absence from the squad.
The ex-Everton and Sunderland player has been signed as a back-up but has rarely featured.
"He's had an unfortunate injury," Wilder said. "As I have talked about all along, the majority have been impact injuries.
"He had a heavy fall and is still recovering. He is one of the seven. Not a long-term one, hopefully, the cup game will be an opportunity for Jack to be involved in that."
Back on the transfer front, there have been some more interesting Blades developments – plus gossip from their rivals Burnley, Brighton, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Arsenal and more.
Here’s a round-up of some of the other transfer rumours involving Sheffield United and their Premier League rivals this morning:
5. Paul Pogba set for Juventus return?
Juventus are lining up a move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in the summer when they believe the Old Trafford club will have to lower their price for the France international, whose contract runs out in summer 2022. (Calciomercato) Photo: Pool
6. Arsenal eye Magpies goalkeeper
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. A former England under-21 international, Woodman is currently midway through his second season on loan at Championship side Swansea City. (Daily Express) Photo: Tony Marshall
7. Leeds urged to make signing
Former Sunderland and England international striker Kevin Phillips has urged Leeds United to sign Atletico Madrid's former Chelsea striker Diego Costa. He said: “Diego Costa has been linked with Leeds, if they could pull that off it would be a masterstroke. Someone of that ilk, who knows that role, would be ideal. It does not look comfortable for Rodrigo.” (Football Insider) Photo: OSCAR DEL POZO
8. Palace eye former Seagulls star
Crystal Palace are in the market to sign former Brighton & Hove Albion right-back Ezequiel Schelotto. He was released in the summer. US Sambenedettese, who currently play in the Italian third-tier, are also said to be interested. (Corriere Adriatico) Photo: Mike Hewitt