Sheffield United's Championship rivals 'closing in' on £25m sale as defender deal 'advanced'
All the very latest Championship transfer rumours following the start of the third week of the summer window.
With Sheffield United’s opening game of pre-season now less than a week away, supporters are determined to see some new signings arrive sooner rather than later.
Following the surprise exit of Andre Brooks to Norwich City last week, some United supporters are starting to become a little bit restless about the fact manager Chris Wilder is yet to add to his squad this summer.
The Blades boss is keen to oversee something of a rebuild at Bramall Lane this summer after last season’s underwhelming 13th-placed finish in the Championship. Several areas of the squad are in need of attention, meaning Wilder will be keen to start adding to his squad as soon as possible.
A number of United’s second tier rivals have started to bring new faces in, meaning it is hoped the Blades will follow suit in the not too distant future. With that in mind, With that in mind, here are some of the latest transfer rumours concerning United’s Championship counterparts...
Hackney ‘closing in’ on Middlesbrough exit
Premier League club Everton are ‘closing in’ on the signing of Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney, according to a report by The Telegraph. It is reported that negotiations between the two clubs are ‘now reaching a conclusion’, and the midfielder is set to move to Merseyside in a deal worth £25million.
Middlesbrough, it is reported, had rejected ‘at least three’ bids for the midfielder. A deal could be fully agreed by the end of this week.
Hackney has established himself as one of the best players outside of the Premier League after winning the Championship’s Player of the Season award last term. The 24-year-old scored six goals and registered eight assists across all competitions for Middlesbrough last season.
Hackney, who is a Middlesbrough academy graduate, has just one year remaining on his contract at the Riverside. It is claimed Everton, earlier this month, made an opening offer of just £7m.
Lincoln ‘targeting’ Elder
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, as cited by The72, Lincoln City are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign outgoing Derby County left-back Callum Elder. The defender will officially become a free agent when his contract ends at Pride Park on June 30.
Elder was not offered a new deal following the end of last term, meaning his impending exit from Pride Park will mark the end of his three-year stint with the Rams. He joined the club on a three-year deal in June 2023 after leaving Hull City.
The 31-year-old, however, is poised to remain in the Championship by joining the Imps, who secured promotion last term after storming their way to the League One title. The left-back, who is an Australian international, will add some much-needed experience to the Imps’ squad.
Prior to suffering a season-ending injury in February, Elder was a regular starter for the Rams last season, making 28 Championship appearances, chipping in with one goal. He has made almost 160 Championship appearances during his career.