Sheffield United face strong competition for out-of-contract defender as Blades eye Manchester United outcast

Chris Wilder’s Blades are preparing for a trip to League One side Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon, though they wouldn’t be mistaken for having one eye on the winter market.

Indeed, Wilder and co have until 11pm on Monday, February 1, to finalise potential incomings and outgoings.

The Blades boss has spoken of his desire to strengthen his squad this month, but how are things shaping up for fellow top-flight clubs?

As always, we’re sharing the latest news and rumours from around the web – so scroll down to see our latest gossip column:

Marcos Rojo wants to leave Manchester United with Newcastle United, Sheffield United and La Liga side Elche among those interested. (Informacion)

Fikayo Tomori’s hopes of leaving Chelsea on loan have taken a major blow following a knee injury suffered by Andreas Christensen. Newcastle and Leeds were listed as potential suitors. (The Sun)

Leeds United and West Ham are pursuing a move for Ipswich Town defender Elkan Baggott after he turned down a new contract at the League One club. (Football Insider)

Sources close to Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul believe a move to Leeds is unlikely, while Whites officials have also played down making a fresh approach. (The Athletic)

Derby County are showing interest in Leeds forward Tyler Roberts, while Whites youngster Jordan Stevens is set to join Bradford City on loan. (The Athletic)

Manchester United are interested in a move for Toulouse youngster Kouadio Kone, though could face competition from Leeds and AC Milan. (Calciomercato via Daily Star)

Liverpool are “pushing hard” to try and hijack Real Madrid’s move for out-of-contract Bayern Munich defender David Alaba. (The Guardian)

Serie A club Udinese are set to rival Sheffield United and Bournemouth for Preston North End defender Ben Davies, whose contract expires in the summer. (Sky Sports)

Swansea City have enquired about taking Arsenal striker and Blades target Folarin Balogun on loan for the remainder of the season. (Football Insider)

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma is open to joining Arsenal. He is a Gunners fan and knows defender Gabriel Magalhaes well from being at Lille. (Football.London)

West Bromwich Albion are in advanced talks with West Ham over a move for Robert Snodgrass ahead of his contract expiring this summer. (Sky Sports)