"Reminds me a bit of Norwood" - Sheffield United urged to beat Coventry City to 35-cap international | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Preston North End’s Alan Browne.

According to Alan Nixon, the Blades are interested in the Republic of Ireland international midfielder, who is out of contract at the end of June at Deepdale - Coventry City are also keen on the 29-year-old.

The Lilywhites have expressed their desire to keep Browne beyond his current deal in Lancashire, but no agreement has yet been reached over an extension - this could open the door for the South Yorkshire outfit to swoop in and complete a deal to sign him instead.

Browne has been a key figure for PNE since breaking into the first-team squad as a teenager in 2014, and has been the club captain since 2020.

Sheffield United fan pundit keen to see Alan Browne sign

FLW’s Sheffield United fan pundit Owain Wyse believes that Browne could be an excellent addition to Chris Wilder’s squad.

He believes Browne's potential arrival could be quite suitable to the team, and he could form a great partnership in midfield with the likes of Gustavo Hamer and Ollie Arblaster.

“I’ve always liked the look of Browne, think he’s an excellent player,” Wyse told Football League World.

“When I’ve seen Preston play, he’s been pivotal to the style and system that they play, and I think he could play a similar role for us.

“We’re in the need of another midfielder in the summer - probably two or three, actually - and I think picking Browne up on a free would be a good deal. “Norwood’s gone, Souza's probably on his way out. “He reminds me a bit of Norwood actually, he’s a bit more dynamic I think, he’s more likely to run with the ball or pop up with a goal. “But he does the simple stuff well, and I think if we can keep hold of Hamer and Arblaster then that’s the type of midfielder we need to really complement them.

“I think it would be a really good deal, a really good deal.”

Sheffield United’s difficult Premier League campaign

Sheffield United are preparing for life back in the Championship after suffering relegation from the top flight.

A 20th place finish was confirmed with multiple games spare, with the Blades struggling to step up to the competitive level of the Premier League after gaining promotion in 2023.

Wilder will now be looking to build a team capable of fighting for a top two or six spot next season.

However, Browne has yet to make an official decision over his future, although he is said to have been offered the best contract in PNE's history.

Alan Browne would be a solid signing for Sheffield United

It remains to be seen just how much money Sheffield United will have to spend this summer, with finances not looking too great in recent windows.

So, signing someone of Browne’s calibre as a free agent could be a great bit of business for the club if they can pull it off.

The midfielder is an experienced Championship star, and has been one of Preston North End's standout performers for some time.

The Lancashire outfit are keen to keep him, which is telling as to how important he can be to a team looking to be competitive in the second division, but the allure of a promotion favourite like Sheffield United being keen may just be too good to turn down for a player that will have aspirations of playing in the Premier League.