Sheffield United still confident of signing goalkeeper but will refuse to pay the asking price

Sheffield United are still confident of signing Aaron Ramsdale, despite refusing to pay AFC Bournemouth’s asking price for the goalkeeper.
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Three years after selling him to the south coast club, Chris Wilder wants to bring the England under-21 international back to Bramall Lane after negotiations aimed at renewing Dean Henderson’s loan from Manchester United became increasingly complex.

Although Bournemouth reportedly want £25m for Ramsdale, Wilder’s advisors believe he will actually be allowed to depart for significantly less with The Vitality Stadium set to host Championship football next term.

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United also inserted a sell-on clause into the deal which took Ramsdale to Dorset, which will effectively act as a discount should they reach agreement with Jason Tindall’s side.

Aaron Ramsdale is wanted by Sheffield United: Dan Mullan/Getty ImagesAaron Ramsdale is wanted by Sheffield United: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Aaron Ramsdale is wanted by Sheffield United: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Tindall, who was appointed as Bournemouth’s new manager earlier this month when Eddie Howe left by mutual consent after failing to save them from relegation, indicated Ramsdale is keen to explore the possibility of returning to South Yorkshire during his latest round of interviews with the media.

“We didn’t think it met our valuation of Aaron,” Tindall said, confirming United have already had an offer for the player turned down. “I think you want to try and keep as many of your best players as possible and Aaron would be no different.

“Nathan Ake has just gone to Manchester City and would I have liked to keep Nathan Ake? For sure. But when a club like Manchester City come calling for you, players like that go with your blessing.”

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“I know Aaron is a Sheffield boy, he’s from that way and Sheffield United are in the Premier League,” Tindall added.

Dean Henderson has spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United: Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty ImagesDean Henderson has spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United: Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty Images
Dean Henderson has spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United: Oli Scarff/Pool via Getty Images

Despite being born in Stoke, Ramsdale spent his formative years with United after entering their youth system. With United languishing in the third tier of English football at the time, Wilder admitted he was powerless to prevent the youngster from moving to Bournemouth when Howe’s interest became known in 2017.

United are expected to submit a second bid shortly, possibly over the weekend, as they attempt to complete the majority of their transfer business before playing the first of their pre-season games.

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