“Step forward... “ - Sheffield United transfer target Lewis Dobbin breaks silence on future plans after Preston North End success

Lewis Dobbin, the Aston Villa winger, admits he is relaxed about his future after The Star revealed over the weekend that he is one of a number of potential transfer targets for Sheffield United this summer. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season on loan at Preston North End.

He scored his ninth league goal for North End against United on Saturday and could have walked away from Bramall Lane with a hat-trick, being denied by a fine save from United goalkeeper Adam Davies before missing a sitter when one-on-one.

But his record in front of goal, adding eight assists for good measure, will make him a player in demand this summer and with United identifying a need for genuine width on both flanks next season, it is no real surprise that they have identified him as a potential target.

But there will be fierce competition, too, including as we revealed on Sunday from the Bundesliga. Dobbin has two years left on his contract at Villa but with Unai Emery’s side on the rise, the smart money is on him being loaned out again in the summer.

“I want to take a step forward, rather than a sideways or backwards step,” Dobbin told our sister paper the Lancashire Post after victory at Bramall Lane. “I want to try and play at the highest level possible; I think I can do that.

“So, that's what I'll aim to do and we'll see what happens. I speak to [Villa] weekly. I'll have to go in after the end of the season so we'll see what they say and hopefully, they'll be really happy with me.”

Asked about the prospect of playing in the second tier again next season, Dobbin added: ”We'll see what happens. I mean, it depends. There's a lot of factors. You've got to listen to what other clubs are saying.

“You've got to listen to what Aston Villa want for you as well. So, it's difficult. I think whatever happens, I'll try and make it the most suitable move for me and the position I'm in, in my career at the minute. I've just got to make the most out of whatever situation I get thrown into.

“I’ll just take it as the weeks come and see what happens in the summer. I owe [Preston] a lot, so I'll try and enjoy it as much as possible.

“When you go on loan and you have such a good connection with the fans and the club... they’ve definitely got a fan for life and we'll see what happens.”