As The Star reported this morning, Sheffield United are likely to be amongst the Championship clubs offered the chance to sign Wales international Joe Allen from Stoke City this summer as officials at the bet365 Stadium look to cut costs.
United have not expressed an interest in the 31-year-old midfielder, but have been identified as one club of several in the second tier that have the financial clout and stature to attract a player like Allen.
Midfield is certainly an area that new boss Slavisa Jokanovic will have to look at this summer, with John Lundstram already departing and Sander Berge expected to follow him out of the Bramall Lane exit after United’s relegation from the Premier League last season.
The Blades are demanding at least £35m for the Norwegian international, with Arsenal previously thought to be the frontrunners to sign him. But any pursuit from the London club may be complicated if they decide to consolidate their interest in Yves Bissouma, who Liverpool and Leicester have also been linked with.
Elsewhere at United, Aaron Ramsdale will reiterate his desire to remain at Bramall Lane next season, despite seeing his valuation soar to more than double the amount United paid to re-sign him from AFC Bournemouth last summer.
Here’s a round-up of some of the other transfer talk around the Championship as excitement starts to ramp up about the new season…
1. Harp-ing on
West Bromwich Albion’s Rekeem Harper is close to joining Ipswich Town, according to the Express and Star. The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Birmingham, will cost up to £1m if all clauses are met Photo: Jan Kruger
2. Brum want playmaker to stay
Birmingham City are still in talks with Alen Halilovic over extending his stay in the Miidlands. He joined the club on a short-term deal last November and played a part in helping the Blues stay in the Championship (Birmingham Mail) Photo: Tony Marshall
3. Ritchie 'keen on move'
Matt Ritchie is keen on returning to Bournemouth from Newcastle United, according to the Mirror. Ritchie was close to returning to the south coast last season and is thought to want the move for family reasons Photo: Stu Forster
4. Sanderson to Sheffield?
Sheffield United have again been linked with Dion Sanderson after the Wolves youngster was reportedly given the green light to leave Molineux on a permanent basis after last season’s impressive loan spell at Sunderland Photo: Lewis Storey