Sheffield United set for Benie Traore transfer breakthrough as timescale set

The Ivorian youngster attracted interest from United, as well as Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers, with his red-hot form in front of goal for the Swedish title-chasers already this season.

The move has been in the pipeline for some time, with Traore left out of the Hacken side in recent weeks and even appearing before his club’s fans to wave an emotional goodbye ahead of a dream transfer move to the English top flight.

Traore will become United’s second signing of the week, after former Liverpool man Yasser Larouci arrived on a loan-to-buy deal on Monday afternoon.

Left-back and striker were two priority positions for United this summer after the departures of experienced duo Enda Stevens and Billy Sharp, with United now targeting a fresh left-side centre half after Jack O’Connell’s summer departure.

*The Star’s coverage of Sheffield United’s pre-season trip to Portugal is brought to you in association with Vertical Editions, a Sheffield-based company producing fine sporting books. Check out their range of Blades titles, including Legends at the Lane, at www.verticaleditions.com