Sheffield United's Championship rivals 'weighing up' move for World Cup star as Bolton 'in talks' to sign striker
All the very latest Championship transfer rumours as the summer window prepares to enter its fifth week.
Sheffield United stepped up their pre-season preparations with a goalless draw against Chesterfield at the SMH Group Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Blades boss Chris Wilder used the trip down the Dronfield Bypass to hand a debut to new signing Romelle Donovan following his arrival from Brentford last Wednesday. He has joined the Blades on a season-long loan from the Premier League outfit.
United are hungry to add more bodies to their squad ahead of the 2026/27 Championship campaign getting underway in just over a month’s time, meaning time is running out to achieve that ambition.
Other Championship clubs are also keen to get as much of their business done ahead of the season kicking off on August 14. With that in mind, here are some of the latest transfer rumours concerning the Blades’ second tier rivals...
Duo ‘weighing up’ Berg swoop
Championship duo Burnley and West Ham United are among a cluster of clubs ‘exploring a move’ for Bodø/Glimt midfielder Patrick Berg, according to a report by TEAMtalk. Berg impressed for Norway during this summer’s World Cup, featuring in all six of their matches prior to their elimination at the hands of England on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old has spent almost all of his career at Bodø/Glimt, making 349 appearances, but is reportedly ‘seriously considering’ an exit from the Norwegian outfit. Alongside Burnley and West Ham, Premier League trio Coventry City, Hull City and Ipswich Town are also reportedly interested in his signature.
The report states Burnley and West Ham, at this stage, are ‘assessing’ whether to launch official moves for the midfielder. The interest being expressed by English clubs is described as ‘significant’.
Following relegation from the Premier League last term, both Burnley and the Hammers desperately need to inject fresh blood into their squads. Burnley appointed Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on Friday, meaning their recruitment plans are now expected to step up.
Berg, who will turn 29 in November, made 29 appearances for Bodø/Glimt last season, including 12 in the Champions League, helping the Norwegian outfit reach the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition.
Bolton ‘in talks’ to sign Bair
According to a report by Football Insider, Bolton Wanderers have ‘opened talks’ with French club AJ Auxerre to sign striker Theo Bair. Wanderers are currently preparing for their first Championship campaign since 2018/19 after winning the League One play-off final in May.
It is claimed Bolton have identified Bair as a ‘top target’, and negotiations are said to be ‘ongoing’. Bair, 26, spent last season on loan at Swiss club FC Lausanne-Sport, scoring ten goals in 31 appearances.
He joined Auxerre in July 2024 for an undisclosed fee from Scottish club Motherwell, signing a four-year deal. He scored 15 goals in 41 games in his first and only season at Fir Park.
Despite having two years remaining on his contract at the French club, Bolton are reportedly ‘confident’ of getting a deal done for Bair, who has never previously played in England.