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FLW's Blades fan pundit wouldn't mind seeing Chris Mepham through the door at Bramall Lane at some point this month

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 were left shorthanded at the back following Anel Ahmedhodzic's departure, and this was proven in their 4-1 defeat on opening day against Bristol City.

Despite only allowing nine shots, and five on target, the Blades shipped more than anyone else on the Championship's opening weekend, as Ruben Selles' debut in the Bramall Lane dugout ended in pure disaster.

Only the league's top three sides last season conceded less than Hull City in the 28 games that Selles was manager of, so to concede at will against the Robins to begin the 2025/26 term would have sent a few alarm bells off among Sheffield United fans, but overall highlights the need to replace the commanding Bosnian at the back, who had established himself as one of the second tier's better defenders in recent seasons.

A reunion between Selles and Charlie Hughes, who shone under the Spaniard last season at Hull, has been touted, and Swedish international Nils Zatterstrom from Malmo has also been linked to fill the hole left by Ahmedhodzic.

Chris Mepham could also be on the radar following his success on loan at Sunderland last season from Bournemouth, and FLW's Blades fan pundit, Jimmy, the host of the Blades Ramble podcast, feels that the Welsh international would be a good addition.

Sheffield United fan pundit discusses centre-back additions

Football League World asked Jimmy how he'd feel about Sheffield United looking at Mepham as a centre-back addition following Ahmedhodzic's departure.

"I wouldn't mind him at all," he responded. "I think he proved last season that he's still capable at the level, and he's a target that we've been long linked with.

"We certainly are in desperate need of a centre-back, but things have changed significantly at the club since Wilder left."

The Blades' recruitment process underwent a shift in focus last season, as the club began to take a data-driven approach. This was seen in the January arrivals of Christian Nwachukwu and Jefferson Caceres, two relatively unknown wingers from abroad, and then the likes of Ehije Ukaki and Mihail Polendakov continued that trend this summer.

Jimmy questioned: "Would Mepham be part of the club's plans, the new management team's plans and the new recruitment process? Time will tell.

Despite this approach, Sheffield United have still turned to young, exciting talent on loan from Premier League sides this summer, namely Louie Barry and Tyler Bindon.

"We are starting to be linked with some more domestic players, such as Charlie Hughes, and we've been looking at Ben Godfrey too, who played most of his football in England.

"We've obviously signed Barry and Bindon too, so there is a chance that Mepham could be on the list, and I wouldn't mind it at all.

"As I say, we certainly need a centre-half," he concluded.

Chris Mepham would be a solid addition to Sheffield United's defence

If Mepham became available on loan, then he should have plenty of suitors up at the top end of the Championship wanting to capitalise and secure his services, as his defensive performances were a key asset in Sunderland's promotion last season.

The 27-year-old wasn't always the first choice under Regis Le Bris, but an injury-filled season for Dan Ballard allowed him to play regularly throughout the season, and then an early Luke O'Nien withdrawal meant that he played the majority of the play-off final, too.

Bournemouth are currently going through a centre-back fire sale of their own this summer, but the Cherries are looking to replace the likes of Dean Huijsen and the outgoing Illia Zabarnyi with top-level stars from abroad, such as Bafode Diakite, so the Welshman may be available once more this summer.

Mepham would bring experience and leadership to a Blades backline which looked lost at times against Bristol City, and despite a shaky start under Selles, the addition of the 27-year-old would add extra confidence to going one further than last season.

For Mepham, it'd be the chance to play a part in a Championship promotion for the third time in his career.