Report: Premier League defender linked with loan move to Sheffield United | OneFootball

Sheffield United have been linked with promising Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist. The 20-year-old has not travelled with the Chelsea squad as part of their pre-season tour in the USA.

According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, the Blades are favourites to land the versatile defender, while Preston North End is another possibility. Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United enquired about Gilchrist earlier in the window, but a move to either of them now seems unlikely.

Gilchrist has already appeared 17 times for Chelsea in competitive matches, scoring his first goal for the Blues in a 6-0 thrashing against Everton towards the end of last season.

What makes Gilchrist a top prospect is the fact that he can play as a centre-back and as a right-back which is potentially huge for a team like United. The Blades have just lost right-back Jayden Bogle to Leeds so they are in the market for a right-back. But, at the same time they also have worries that Anel Ahmedhodzic could depart this summer, Gilchrist could fill either of those roles.

If United succeed in getting the 20-year-old on loan then Chris Wilder could have an option to even revert back to the tried and tested 5-3-2 in certain games – with the return of overlapping centre-backs – Gilchrist would be perfect for that role with his athleticism.

In 207 total minutes of Premier League football last term, Gilchrist was able to score his first ever career goal as well as create three shot-creating actions, for a young defender that is quite impressive.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 30: Oli McBurnie of Sheffield United celebrates after scoring a goal that was later disallowed during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Fulham FC at Bramall Lane on March 30, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Sheffield United send contract offer to Oli McBurnie

In other news it has been revealed by The Star that the Blades have sent a contract offer for Oli McBurnie with just over a fortnight to go before the Championship season kicks-off. McBurnie has been training with the club this summer despite his contract expiring at the beginning of July.

United have not hung around for the Scottish forward and managed to sign his potential replacement in former AFC Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore. Moore played his first pre-season game with the Blades last Saturday as Wilder’s side thumped League Two outfit Chesterfield by three goals to nil.

BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 20: Harrison Burrows of Peterborough United celebrates his goal to make it 0-2 during the EFL Cup match between Blackpool and Peterborough at Bloomfield Road on February 20, 2024 in Blackpool, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Blades close to announcing Harrison Burrows

It’s set to be a busy week for Sheffield United with Peterborough United left-back Harrison Burrows set to be announced in the next day or two, in a deal worth around £3 million.

Ideally, they would love to get the deal over the line for the visit to Harrogate Town on Tuesday evening; Burrows, although he’s been training with Peterborough in pre-season, he has yet to get minutes due to his potential transfer away from the Posh.