Sheffield United news: Blades eye Spurs man, Vini Souza exit threat, Chris Wilder split | OneFootball

Sheffield United are heading into a challenging period, looking to rebuild faith after missing out narrowly on promotion into the Premier League.

Sheffield United are heading into a challenging period, looking to rebuild faith after missing out narrowly on promotion into the Premier League.

Since defeat to Sunderland at Wembley Stadium, Chris Wilder has exited the club and been replaced by former Hull City and Reading boss Ruben Selles.

Rumours are now swirling in relation to players both coming in and leaving Bramall Lane, while there are some non-playing matters to contend with as well.

Sheffield United linked to Tottenham Hotspur defender

The Blades are prepared to splash £6m on Spurs centre-back Ashley Phillips, according to Alan Nixon in The Sun.

The 20-year-old, who spent last term on loan at Stoke City, looks likely to stay in North London though. New Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is said to be keen on including Phillips in his squad, which could be a kick in the teeth for United.

The Salford-born England youth international spent the prior season on loan at Plymouth Argyle, winning their Young Player of the Year gong.

Deal reportedly agreed for Vini Souza exit

While United are looking to bring youngster Phillips into the club, it appears Vini Souza will be heading the opposite way through the Bramall Lane door.

German outfit Wolfsberg have been linked to the midfielder over recent weeks, and have now agreed a £13m deal according to a report from AZ/WAZ.

The deal would bring a profit for the Blades, who paid £10m for the Brazilian two years ago. He has played over 30 games in each of his two terms in Sheffield, but is now set to leave in a move that could open up a golden opportunity for the likes of Tom Davies to break into the starting line-up.

New sponsor for the Blades

United have been busy in the commercial department too, signing a new sponsorship deal. The sports bookmaker Midnite, who are said to be the fastest-growing in the UK, will feature on the front of the club’s new kit.

The company originally launched with a focus on esports betting, but have since opened their offering up to include more traditional forms of online sports gambling.

A club statement wrote: “Midnite's logo will be on the front of Blades shirts for the men's and women's adult first teams, training kits and adult replica shirts. It will also be displayed around Bramall Lane, on home match team sheets, the matchday programme and across the club's social media channels.”

An offer rejected for Swindon Town starlet

Back in the transfer market, the Blades have reportedly seen an offer rejected for a young talent at League Two Swindon Town.

The Robins, managed by long-standing EFL gaffer Ian Holloway, have turned down multiple offers for Botan Ameen according to the Swindon Advertiser newspaper.

The report is behind a paywall, but Blades’ fan website Sheff United Way have noted Norwich City and Bristol Rovers have also seen offers rejected for the 18-year-old right-winger.

A fanbase that is split down the middle

There is a split down the middle of the United fanbase according to BBC Radio Sheffield’s Rob Staton. In a piece written for the BBC, he described the divide between fans who wanted to see boyhood Blade Wilder remain at the club and those that were keen to see him move on.

The latter got their way, with Selles replacing Wilder in a move that has placed focus on a data and AI-led recruitment process.

Wilder would have secured a third promotion with the Blades had the Sheffield-based club beaten Sunderland in the play-off final, a feat that no manager has accomplished in the Bramall Lane hot seat.