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The Sky Sports pundit has weighed in on the Millwall defender’s Blades links

Sheffield United’s summer recruitment drive has taken on new urgency following their faltering start to the Championship season and the defensive losses that have left Ruben Selles short of reliable options.

With Anel Ahmedhodzic’s departure to Feyenoord, alongside the exits of Vinicius Souza and ongoing uncertainty around Jack Robinson and Rhys Norrington-Davies, the Blades are entering a crucial period in the transfer market.

While Atalanta’s Ben Godfrey has arrived at Bramall Lane on loan to strengthen the back line, the consensus is that United may require more than one defensive addition to navigate a long, demanding season.

Football League World have exclusively revealed that Japhet Tanganga, who excelled for Millwall last year, has emerged as a prominent target.

The 26-year-old former Spurs defender was instrumental for the Lions in 2024/25, making 40 league appearances and ultimately winning the club’s Player of the Year award.

Football League World understands that United are in discussions over a potential deal, with Millwall valuing Tanganga well above the £1.2 million Premier League-only release clause, placing his price nearer the £7 million mark.

Lee Hendrie: Japhet Tanganga should be Sheffield United’s Bobby Thomas alternative transfer target

Following the Blades’ links to Tanganga, Football League World spoke exclusively with Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie to ascertain if the Millwall man would be a sufficient Bobby Thomas alternative, and a big signing for Selles’ side.

“Yeah, Tanganga, I've always been impressed with him, I really have,” Hendrie told FLW.

“I think since he's gone to Millwall, he's been one of their really key features, and proven that he is a very good defender, can play in a fullback role and can play in the centre half role. I know that he's played in the back three.

“I mean whether Bobby Thomas does come off, I know that there has been a lot of noise about that, but, you know, he'd certainly be one that you'd think he could step up and be the one - if it's not him.

“I feel that Tanganga's probably a really good fit for sure for Sheffield United, and he's wanting to prove himself still.

“So, yeah, I think that would be a really good alternative.”

Japhet Tanganga could be ideal to stabilise Ruben Selles’ backline

The Blades’ defensive shortcomings have been brutally exposed in their opening matches, and the requirement for further reinforcements is plain.

With Godfrey through the door, adding another centre back with proven Championship pedigree would be the next logical step.

Tanganga’s profile makes him an attractive option: adaptable across multiple defensive roles, experienced in both Premier League and Championship football and fresh from a season where he was among Millwall’s standout players.

The price tag may not be insignificant, but the Blades’ need for stability at the back justifies the investment.

With promotion ambitions still the target, and fan sentiment demanding decisive action in the transfer market, a move for Tanganga could be exactly the kind of signing to inject confidence and strengthen the foundations of a side aiming to push back up the table.