Sheffield United are expected to go back in for an “amazing” defender in the summer after missing out on him in January, according to a new report.
Sheffield United on course for Premier League return
With just eight Championship games left to play this season, Sheffield United remain firmly in the race for an immediate return to the Premier League after being relegated from the top flight last year. The Blades are currently second in the table, but trail leaders Leeds United only by goal difference.
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This is great news for the Blades.
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Meanwhile, they lead third-placed Burnley by two points and sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion by a whopping 23 points, meaning a place in the play-offs is all but guaranteed. Manager Chris Wilder, however, would, unsurprisingly, rather avoid having to play at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.
Discussing the battle for automatic promotion earlier this month, Wilder, who is currently in his second spell at Bramall Lane, said: “We’re old enough and experienced enough to know we have to get our heads down and work extremely hard for every result, and I mean every result, because there are no easy games in this division.
“This is the unpredictability of the Championship. We have to concentrate 100% on ourselves, getting the job done and getting as many points as we possibly can. If it’s enough, then fabulous, and if not then we’ll have to address the next situation.”
Blades to return for Dunne
To aid with their quest for automatic promotion, in January, United tried to sign Queens Park Rangers defender and Republic of Ireland international Jimmy Dunne. They ended up pulling out of negotiations, however, due to QPR placing a £3 million price tag on the 27-year-old’s head.
The Blades’ pursuit of Dunne is seemingly not finished, however. Out of contract at the end of the season, according to TBR Football chief football correspondent Graeme Bailey, United are expected to come back in for him, whether they gain promotion or not.
“I am told he was very close to joining Sheffield United in the January transfer window,” Bailey told EFL Analysis. “Talks did take place but things just did not work out. Don’t be surprised if the Blades come back, but I do know a number of their Championship rivals like him a lot. I really think QPR will find it hard to keep him. He has done really well at right-back.”
Dunne, described as “amazing” by QPR manager Marti Cifuentes, has made 37 appearances in the Championship for QPR – playing at both centre-back and right-back. Not only does he rank highly in the league for many defensive actions, including tackles, aerial duels won, interceptions and blocks, he’s also scored an impressive five goals and registered two assists.
Jimmy Dunne Championship Stats 2024/25
Games
37
Goals
5
Assists
2
Duels Won
296
Tackles Won
48
Interceptions
40
Stats via FotMob