The battle lines have been drawn in Sheffield United's scrap for AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale

United have already made one unsuccessful bid for Ramsdale - who progressed through their youth system before leaving in 2017 - and are expected to table another improved offer after growing frustrated with the progress of their negotiations with Manchester United about retaining Dean Henderson’s services on loan.

Tindall, who was appointed Bournemouth’s new manager over the weekend, insisted at his official unveiling earlier this week that owner Maxim Demin plans to keep the majority of the squad assembled by predecessor Eddie Howe intact.

But with Nathan Ake completing a £40m move to Manchester City and former United midfielder David Brooks also likely to depart, United believe Demin’s obligation to cut costs means the Russian will be forced to consider serious approaches for Ramsdale.

Tindall understandably spoke in forceful terms after being presented to the media, claiming his employers can rebut enquiries for their most influential players despite slipping out of the top-flight.

“If the club turned around and said ‘there’s going to be a fire sale, you’ll be losing eight or nine players’, I wouldn’t be sitting in this chair now.”

But United know from bitter experience, having seen Bournemouth plunder Bramall Lane’s talent pool themselves before resigning their seat at English football’s top table, that it can prove impossible to fend-off PL vultures once they begin circling. Instead, agents acting on Chris Wilder’s behalf are interpreting Tindall’s comments as an attempt to draw the battle lines before serious negotiations about Ramsdale begin. The player himself is keen on returning to the side where he began his senior career before being sold for around £1m three years ago.

Although a buy back clause was not inserted into the agreement which saw Ramsdale head to Dorset, The Star has revealed United are entitled to receive a percentage of any future fee he commands - meaning the amount they would have to pay to acquire the England under-21 international could be discounted.

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