3 players who could join Sheffield United for nothing amid Ruben Selles transfer update | OneFootball

FLW take a look at three free agents that Sheffield United should consider signing

Sheffield United manager Ruben Selles has confirmed that the Blades are prioritising free agents and loans in the transfer market, amid budget constraints that have emerged following their failure to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.

As first exclusively revealed by FLW, the new Spanish boss has confirmed to the Sheffield Star that the club are targeting players who can deliver an immediate impact without transfer fees.

Speaking in Girona on pre-season tour, Selles admitted: "For the moment right now we are more focused on the market of loans and free agents, and we are monitoring ones where we'd need to pay transfer fees.

"We can do that but our target right now is loans and the free agent market," he concluded.

Following this development, FLW take a look at three free agents that Sheffield United should consider signing.

Grady Diangana

Grady Diangana offers the kind of Championship-proven quality that could add strong depth to their attacking options - and Ruben Selles could be the one to help him rediscover lost form.

The 27-year-old DR Congo international was released by West Bromwich Albion after six years at The Hawthorns, making him available on a free transfer despite proven pedigree in the division.

In the 23/24 season, Diangana contributed to 15 goals as the Baggies reached the play-offs - but he couldn't replicate that form last season, only managing to score four throughout the campaign. This was perhaps due to mainly being used as a substitute (he started 14 of his 34 games), but there's no reason a young, attack-minded coach like Selles can help a player in his prime years rediscover top form.

For someone who would have typically commanded a large fee now being available for nothing, there is certainly an opportunity for Sheffield United to offer competitive terms to a proven Championship winger, regardless of his somewhat poor showing last season. In January, Fabrizio Romano reported that Diangana had turned down a pre-contract approach from now-Premier League side Burnley - with European clubs also showing interest.

Tyrhys Dolan

Tyrhys Dolan has emerged as one of the most exciting young free agents available this summer after officially leaving Blackburn Rovers. The 23-year-old winger has yet to sign elsewhere, despite large interest from Championship clubs and abroad.

With 210 appearances for Rovers, he has contributed 26 goals and 22 assists, demonstrating consistent productivity at second-tier level.

In the 24/25 season, he managed seven goals and six assists in 44 Championship matches - and his ability to operate as both a wide playmaker or inside forward would provide Selles with options in his preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 formations.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Championship rivals including Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Derby County have all shown interest in Dolan, while Celtic and Rangers have also been linked with moves but seem to have settled on other options.

Sheffield United could match Dolan's reported wage demands of €1m-per-year (£16,500 a week), which could prove decisive if Blades want to join the race to secure his signature. Turkish club Samsunspor pulled out of a deal for this reason, according to their club's president. But using Capology estimates, the average weekly salary at Sheffield United is £16,596, which would make Dolan an affordable option for the South Yorkshire side.

Ianis Hagi

The son of legend Gheorghe, Ianis Hagi has left Rangers after his contract expired, becoming available on a free transfer - despite the Scottish club's attempts to retain him.

The 26-year-old playmaker managed four goals and five assists in 24 Scottish Premiership appearances last season, and his ability to constantly create chances - 2.42 per 90 - would provide the creative spark needed if Gustavo Hamer moves to PSV.

Having featured regularly in European competitions with Rangers, he would undoubtedly bring a winning mentality that could prove crucial in high-pressure Championship matches.

Multiple European sides have reportedly been interested in Hagi's services, including German duo Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hoffenheim. However, Blades' status as promotion contenders and the opportunity to work under a manager like Selles could prove attractive to the Romanian international.

There's no questioning that these three players are fairly ambitious suggestions, but Sheffield United have the appeal to attract the best free agents available - like Callum O'Hare the previous summer.

So, even with their focus