Sheffield United handed boost in race for £2 million-rated summer target as his club drops official statement

Sheffield United are yet to announce their first signing of the summer transfer window but they are edging closer to that breakthrough deal.

As they prepare for their first season back in the Premier League, the Blades are looking to bolster their squad but they will likely also be keeping an eye on others around them to assess the competition. Burnley and Luton Town, who join them up from the Championship, will be their closest rivals next season, along with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Everton, who narrowly avoided relegation.

Here’s a look at some of the latest transfer updates for Sheffield United and their upcoming 2023/24 Premier League rivals.

Club provides update on player amid United interest

United are in the running for Anis Ben Slimane from Brøndby, who will cost in the region of £2 million. A recent update from the Denmark outfit itself could be a huge indication that the 22-year-old is ready to move to Bramall Lane as talks between the two sides progress.

“Anis Ben Slimane is not travelling with the rest of the squad today, as he and the club are in the process of uncovering concrete possibilities for a transfer,” an official statement from Brøndby read, regarding the club’s pre-season plans.

The Blades have been locked in talks with the Tunisian over the past week and he is looking set to become Paul Heckingbottom’s first signing of the summer if a deal can be wrapped up.

Nottingham Forest forced to wait for ex-Blades star

Nottingham Forest, who are currently light on goalkeeper options, are working to try and bring Dean Henderson to the City Ground on a permanent deal. However, the Reds are being made to wait by Manchester United as they assess their own situation between the sticks.

According to Nottinghamshire Live, Erik ten Hag is willing to let Henderson leave this summer but not until his side sign a replacement for David de Gea, who has left Old Trafford after 12 years.

Right now, the Red Devils boss has just Henderson — who enjoyed a loan spell with Sheffield United during the 2019/20 season — and the injured 37-year-old Tom Heaton on his list of senior goalkeepers ahead of the new Premier League term.