Sheffield United target is desperate to know if his hopes of moving to Bramall Lane have been dashed

The Huddersfield Town defender is known to be keen on the idea of joining Chris Wilder’s squad after emerging as the United’s manager’s preferred solution to the problem caused by Jack O’Connell’s absence following surgery.

Although United’s coaching staff remain interested in Kongolo, a number of factors have complicated the proposed deal including suggestions the Holland international could also be susceptible to injury after a spell on loan at Fulham last term was cut short when he broke a bone during a Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers. United will also take other sporting and financial considerations into account before deciding whether or not to re-enter the transfer market, after breaking their transfer record when Rhian Brewster arrived from Liverpool last week.

The centre-forward, who withdrew from the England under-21 squad held to a draw by Andorra on Wednesday in order to settle into his new surroundings, will cost a reported £23.5m over the course of his five year contract. Despite spending significantly less than most other Premier League teams, including newly promoted Leeds, Brewster’s purchase came amid warning United’s recruitment budget has been cut because of losses incurred due to social distancing measures imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The decision to allow O’Connell to undergo surgery after finally succumbing to the knee injury which has troubled him through much of his career leaves Jack Robinson, previously of Nottingham Forest, as the only left-footed centre-half at Wilder’s disposal.

Capable of being deployed either at the heart or on the left hand side of defence, Kongolo’s physical attributes prompted United’s coaching staff to identify him as the perfect candidate to provide competition for Robinson as O’Connell recovers from the procedure which was performed in London towards the end of last month.

The Star understands Town are demanding £8m for Kongolo, which is the amount they are still believed to owe Monaco after paying the French outfit around 12m euros to acquire his services a little over two years ago.

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