Sheffield United promotion hero could enjoy Blades return after moving "close" to Sunderland transfer switch

Sheffield United promotion hero Simon Moore could return to Bramall Lane next season after being linked with a move to one of the Blades’ Championship rivals. The 34-year-old, who helped United rise from League One and into the Premier League within the space of three seasons, is a free agent after being released by Coventry City this summer.

Moore’s contract with Mark Robins’ side will officially expire at the end of this month but he might not be without a club for long, with journalist Alan NIxon suggesting that Sunderland are keen to bring him to the Stadium of Light. Anthony Patterson is the Black Cats’ No.1 goalkeeper but has been linked with a move away this summer. Nathan Bishop may move on this summer after failing to dislodge Patterson from behind the sticks while Alex Bass is entering the final year of his current contract, although the club have an option to extend it by a further year.

How United's takeover has impacted McBurnie contract situation

Moore was a key part of United’s League One title-winning season, helping the Blades reach 100 points and cement their place in Blades folklore, and then played back-up to Dean Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale in the Championship and Premier League, making a dream top-flight debut against Manchester United at an electric Bramall Lane.

"Excited" Davies keen to repay United faith after injury struggle

He left on a free in 2021 after United’s relegation from the Premier League, at the time 31 years old and looking to play regular football. He made 46 appearances for Coventry but fell down the pecking order last season. Speaking to The Star after leaving the Lane, Moore said: “I’m amazed really at how many messages I’ve received. It’s really touching. I’ve just done my best for the club, from the first day to the last. I’ve worked hard and been myself. I’ll always be myself.

“I just consider myself lucky to have been a small part of the success that the club has had over the last five years. It’s something that will probably only sink in properly once I’ve retired but even now, I look at what we’ve done with a lot of happiness and joy. I’m sad to be leaving but at the same time, I’m happy that it went the way it has. Because I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”