West Ham 'leading the race' to sign Sheffield United-linked defender from Championship rivals
Sheffield United need to strengthen their centre-back options this summer, but reported target Dael Fry could be heading elsewhere.
West Ham United are emerging as the frontrunners to sign Sheffield United-linked defender Dael Fry, according to a report by SportsBoom.
Fry is out-of-contract at Middlesbrough at the end of this month and is being closely linked with a move to number of Championship clubs. The Northern Echo, earlier this month, reported that talks between Middlesbrough and Fry over a new contract were still ongoing, adding that both parties were ‘confident’ of agreeing a deal.
However, with no breakthrough in negotiations having yet been made, Fry, 28, is being linked with the prospect of an exit from the Riverside. The centre-back has been with the club since 2006 after joining their academy as a seven-year-old.
The Blades, who have aspirations of adding some much-needed experience to Chris Wilder’s squad this summer, were credited with interest in Fry as far back as April, and rumours linking him with a move to S2 have continued since. The defender worked with Wilder during the latter’s time at Middlesbrough.
United desperately need to strengthen their centre-back options this summer following the recent departures of Ben Mee, who has now retired, Tyler Bindon and Leo Hjelde. Fellow centre-backs Mark McGuiness and Nils Zätterström, who spent the second half of the most recent campaign on loan at Genoa, face uncertain futures in S2.
Despite being linked with a swoop for Fry, West Ham, who are preparing for their first season in the Championship since 2011/12 following relegation from the Premier League last month, are said to be leading the race for him at this moment in time, in the event of him leaving the Riverside.
It is reported the Hammers currently stand as the ‘most serious and realistic suitor’ to secure his signature. A big squad rebuild is expected at the London Stadium this summer amid the need for them to cut their cloth and lower their wage bill.
Blackburn Rovers and Burnley have also been credited with interest in Fry.