Ruben Selles wants to take Hull City player to Sheffield United - big top-flight hurdle emerges | OneFootball

Sheffield United are reportedly keen on Hull City's Steven Alzate after appointing Ruben Selles, but face stiff competition from Valencia

Ruben Selles is eager to reunite with Hull City midfielder Ruben Alzate at Sheffield United after being appointed as Chris Wilder's successor earlier this week, although the Spaniard's efforts have been dealt a significant hurdle in the form of interest from La Liga giants Valencia.

According to journalist Dan Marsh via The Mirror's live transfers blog (16:21), the Blades are interested in Alzate but face formidable competition from Valencia, who have "stepped up" their pursuit of the Hull City midfielder ahead of a potential capture in the coming weeks.

A move to Bramall Lane would see Alzate link back up with Selles after the 42-year-old was unveiled as the Blades' new boss earlier this week following the sacking of Wilder.

Selles himself was available, having been contentiously relieved of his duties by divisive chairman Acun Ilicali despite keeping Hull in the Championship on the final day after inheriting a squad which was left in the relegation zone under ex-boss Tim Walter back in December, but his reputation remained unharmed and Blades owners COH Sport swooped to appoint him in the wake of Wilder's dismissal.

Ahead of a hopeful second successive promotion push next time out after last campaign's agonising play-off final defeat to Sunderland at Wembley, Selles is already looking to get his feet under the table and signings in through the door, which has prompted interest in Alzate's signature.

Ruben Selles eyeing Sheffield United transfer reunion with Hull City's Steven Alzate amid big Valencia hurdle

As per the aforementioned update, Valencia have advanced in their pursuit of Alzate in what could represent a blow to both Selles and Sheffield United.

The Blades are described as "admirers" of Alzate, although it's said that Valencia, who finished twelfth in La Liga last season under former West Bromwich Albion head coach Carlos Corberan, have pitched a move to the Tigers midfielder which would see him head over to Spain.

Valencia, along with fellow Spanish outfit Getafe, were first linked to Alzate by HullLive last month.

Alzate joined Hull on a free transfer last September following his exit from Brighton and Hove Albion and has twelve months remaining on his current deal, of which the Tigers also have the option to extend by a further year.

However, the update adds that Hull are open to sanctioning a sale at the right price in order to fund fresh signings under newly-appointed manager Sergej Jakirovic.

Sheffield United and Valencia target Steven Alzate impressed at Hull City last season

26-year-old Alzate made a strong impression at the MKM Stadium last term, particularly so following Selles' mid-season appointment, and it's little wonder the former Southampton and Reading boss has set his sights on a reunion with the seven-cap Colombia international.

Alzate has clocked up 28 Championship appearances for the Tigers to date, establishing himself as something of a fan favourite with his industry and tenacity out of possession.

A dynamic ball-winning midfielder, Alzate's ability to regain possession in the middle of the park while also progressively carrying play further forward most certainly caught the eye, and would make him a shrewd potential replacement for highly-rated Brazilian midfielder Vini Souza if he departs the Steel City following Sheffield United's play-off final heartache.

However, it would appear as though the odds of United getting a deal over the line are slim. A move to Spain - and to a club of Valencia's historic standing, no less - will naturally hold some appeal to Alzate, and they can also offer top-flight football.