Rabbi Matondo Sheffield United transfer latest after training absence as Blades eye another former loan star amid Harry Souttar chase
Rabbi Matondo Sheffield United transfer latest after training absence as Blades eye another former loan star
Sheffield United remain in negotiations with Rabbi Matondo about a potential deal to bring him to Bramall Lane, The Star understands, despite the Welsh international’s absence from an open training session this morning. The former Rangers man has made a couple of appearances for the Blades this summer.
Speaking after Saturday’s win at Rotherham United, in which Matondo came off the bench, Wilder said that United would “see where it goes” with discussions over the wide man’s future, with current club Brann open to letting him leave.
Matondo though was not amongst the United party who trained in front of more than 3,000 supporters at Bramall Lane this morning, prompting questions about whether his time at United had effectively come to an end.
Sources have told The Star that that is not the case, however, although the clearest indication yet over Matondo’s future could arrive this week if he named in the travelling party when United travel to Germany for their final pre-season friendly of the summer.
After the arrivals of Matt Doherty and Romelle Donovan, plus the return of Jairo Riedewald, United are now looking for two centre-backs and a left winger to complete the key options at Chris Wilder’s disposal.
Matondo would offer versatility as a wildcard option, being able to play both left and right as well as down the middle. And as the Blades continue internal discussions about their interest in Harry Souttar, another former loan man also features on their list of potential targets this summer.
As well as Souttar, United also considering an approach to Southampton for former loan man Ben Brereton Diaz. The Chilean international has had two previous spells at Bramall Lane in the past.
He spent last season on loan at Derby County and doesn’t appear to be in the Saints’ plans this summer. United are also still investigating the possibilty of a deal with Manchester City for Kalvin Phillips and may look to move for a goalkeeper in the free agent market if an appealing opportunity comes up.