Exclusive:Sheffield United set to beat Wrexham, Derby County in transfer race after key breakthrough in ex-Leeds United "baller" pursuit
Sheffield United set to beat Wrexham, Derby County in transfer race after key breakthrough in ex-Leeds United man pursuit
Sheffield United are edging closer to their second signing of the January transfer window after a medical was booked in for one of their key targets from the start of the month, The Star understands. United are keen to do business ahead of tonight’s 7pm deadline.
Their need for central midfield reinforcements is no secret and they have long been linked with a move for Rangers man Joe Rothwell, who helped Leeds United into the Premier League last season before moving north of the border from Bournemouth.
United also were in the conversation regarding Sunderland’s Dan Neil before he moved to their Championship rivals Ipswich Town on loan earlier this month but their search for a new central midfielder is set to have a positive end on deadline day.
The Star has been told that the move for Rothwell is now rapidly advancing, with a medical scheduled ahead of a move back to England just over six months after moving to Ibrox. Boss Chris Wilder and his coaching staff have long admired the classy midfielder but if a second opinion was needed, he wouldn’t have to look far.
United striker Patrick Bamford played alongside Rothwell at Elland Road last season while current Whites boss Daniel Farke is a friend of the Blades chief, with the German describing Rothwell as one of the best technical players in England last year as his side pipped the Blades to automatic promotion, and the Championship title.
Sheffield United set to beat Wrexham, Derby County in transfer race after key breakthrough in ex-Leeds United man pursuit
"We don't have to speak about his quality, he's a pure baller,” the German said. “With the ball, probably one of the best in this country. What he does in terms of passing, his technique and tidy touches is outstanding.
“Sometimes in this position you need a few different skills, or you would win Premier League title after title and have 150 caps for England. But when it comes down to dominating the game and being there with tidy touches, to drive the game forward ... if you enjoy football, you enjoy him playing. It's great we have him as a really good option."
If all progresses as expected then Rothwell’s arrival will take some of the pressure off the likes of Oliver Arblaster, who is still working his way back to full fitness after a gruelling 13-month injury absence, and Tom Davies, who made back-to-back starts for the first time this season at Millwall on Saturday before making way early in the second half with a hamstring complaint.
Rothwell, who also helped Southampton to promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2024, was admired by a number of Championship clubs this window, including big-spending Wrexham and Derby County.