A "modern defender" who dribbles more than Jack O'Connell: The lowdown on Sheffield United target Terence Kongolo

But who is Terence Kongolo, the Dutch defender that has been earmarked as a possible replacement for O'Connell in United's famed back three?

Born in Switzerland, Kongolo's family moved to the Netherlands when he was four years old. He joined the famed Feyenoord academy at 15 and followed in the footsteps of the likes of Robin van Persie and Georginio Wijnaldum when he graduated from it and played in the English Premier League.

Before then, though, Kongolo played a key part in Feyenoord winning their first Eredivisie title in almost 20 years in 2017, and earned a move to reigning Ligue 1 champions Monaco.

Kongolo's career stalled a little in the Principality and a loan deal to Huddersfield was arranged, with an agreement to make it a permanent arrangement if Town stayed in the Premier League.

They did, and Kongolo became their then-record signing. But Town couldn't repeat the survival feat in the following season and were relegated to the Championship.

Fulham are thought to be competing with United for Kongolo's services, after the defender had a loan spell with them last season, and his stats show why Chris Wilder - who demands his defenders join in attacks as often as they stop them - is interested.

Kongolo played 45 games in the Premier League for Town, 10 more than O'Connell has experienced with United.

Taking into account those games only, the two defenders' expected goals and shot assists metrics are identical and Kongolo actually outperformed O'Connell in some offensive categories, including dribbles per game (1.05 v 0.6), offensive duels per game (1.95 v 1.49) and progressive runs per game (0.65 v 0.38).

O'Connell still averages around twice as many touches in the opposing penalty area, but not many Premier League centre-backs would rival him in that area, given United's unique system.

But Kongolo clearly has the potential to provide even more cover and competition for that key area of United's game, with Jack Robinson, Enda Stevens and Max Lowe also in the frame down the left as well.

Former Ajax coach Co Adriaanse said once that Kongolo "has everything for the modern defender".

"He can play in the centre of defence, on the left or even in midfield," he added.

"He is tall, fast, has good technique and can play the ball into midfield."

That'll be music to the ears of the Blades boss, and United fans still mourning the loss of O'Connell.

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor