Sheffield United plotting Southampton swoop amid interest in Wolves defender | OneFootball

Sheffield United are targeting a right-back this summer, with both James Bree and Ki-Jana Hoever possible signings.

Highlights

Sheffield United are interested in Southampton's James Bree and Wolves’ Ki-Jana Hoever as they look to acquire a new right-back this summer after Jayden Bogle moved to Leeds United.

The Blades lost Bogle to a promotion rival, which came as a blow for Chris Wilder but finding his replacement is another question entirely for the club.

Right-back has become a real problem area for Wilder. He may have added Jamie Shackleton to his ranks as a versatile option down the right-hand flank or in central midfield, but they have very little in the way of a specialist with experience.

Femi Siriki has returned from loan, whilst Sam Curtis is an exciting young prospect, but neither are likely to replace a player of Bogle's calibre. The Blades had hoped to keep him, which makes sourcing a replacement more time-consuming, with other areas of the squad prioritised first so far.

However, attention has now turned to bringing in his replacement, with Football Insider revealing yesterday that Hoever is a possible target. That's after his game time in recent seasons has come out on loan, with a stint at PSV followed by the last 18 months with Stoke City.

Another name has since emerged, with Alan Nixon reporting via his Patreon of Blades' interest in Southampton's James Bree as a replacement for Bogle.

Sheffield United's right-back targets

It is claimed that Hoever is viewed as an ‘ideal’ successor to Bogle, with a loan move on the cards for the player again this summer, who is under contract with Wolves until 2026.

It is not abundantly clear if Sheffield United are in search of both Hoever and Bree, with the former also operating as a centre-back in much of his early career. Nixon also reports that Southampton are currently happy to retain Bree.

Not only that, but the 26-year-old is willing to fight for his place at St. Mary's in the Premier League next season, despite Saints signing Yukinara Sugawara to compete with both Bree and Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back or right wing-back.

As well as Bogle moving on, George Baldock has also left Bramall Lane this summer, so two senior right-backs have moved on in what has reduced Wilder's pool of options, making it a priority area to address in the window.

Bree is a Yorkshireman, having been born in nearby Wakefield, and he also came through the ranks with Barnsley. He has plenty of Championship experience, but also a little in both the Premier League and League One as well.

Sheffield United target James Bree and Ki-Jana Hoever

It's unclear if they will sign both players but both would provide them with a quality and versatile option at Championship level. Bree has operated at both right and left-back, whilst Hoever can play a number of roles in defensive areas.

The Dutchman impressed at Stoke, particularly with his attacking prowess, as he chipped in with four goals and five assists in the previous campaign. That output is perhaps where he has the edge over Bree, but the Southampton defender's experience may be what Wilder is in need of this summer, having made over 200 appearances in the second tier.

After the likes of Oli Norwood, John Egan, Chris Basham, and Ben Osborn left the club, players with Championship game time are a must. Harrison Burrows is another young addition for the future but with leadership qualities for the here and now, and Bree would bring something similar to the Blades' dressing room this summer.