Sheffield United told AFC Bournemouth transfer would be a "no-brainer" this summer with "nominal fee" claim made | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit believes his side should follow up on their reported interest in Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham

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 will still be licking their wounds after suffering play-off final heartbreak at Wembley, but they need to have full focus on the upcoming transfer window.

As teams such as Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton all drop back into the Championship, promotion is no guarantee for the Blades next term.

According to Alan Nixon, Sheffield United have reignited their interest in Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham.

Chris Wilder’s side have previously targeted the Welsh international on two occasions, and are in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature once more as the Cherries look to recoup some of the £12 million fee they paid for Mepham in 2019.

Football League World’s Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy (AKA Blades Ramble), believes the move would be perfect for the Blades heading into next season.

Sheffield United backed to complete Chris Mepham move

"I like Chris Mepham," stated Jimmy. "I think he's had a good season for Sunderland. Chris Wilder clearly likes him. He's a player we were linked with prior to him going to Sunderland.

"It's a little bit unclear as to his contract situation, with Bournemouth rumoured to have an option to extend. But either way, if he's got a year left, it'll be a nominal fee.

"I think he certainly improves the squad. I'd like to see him alongside Anel Ahmedhodzic, but will Anel still be here next year? That's a big question as well.

"So, we certainly need reinforcements at centre-back. He's a really good age, at 27 years old.

"He would be a really good signing because we need some more experience in the side. We've got a good young side, and I think he'd be a really strong addition.

"A transfer for Chris Mepham is a bit of a no-brainer for me, particularly if we can get him for a reasonable fee with him being in the last year of his contract."

Chris Mepham would be a great addition for Sheffield United

Failing to achieve promotion to the Premier League will be understandably sore for everyone involved with the Blades, as they battled for the top two places in the Championship for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign.

Wilder’s side finished on 90 points, 14 more than Sunderland, who denied them promotion in the play-off final, adding salt into the already gaping wounds of the Blades’ faithful.

Bringing in a player of Mepham’s profile would be a clear statement of intent for the Steel City club, who will be determined not to squander their shot at Premier League football next term.

It has been reported by the Sunderland Echo that the defender’s deal at Bournemouth is likely to be extended this summer, which means the Cherries can charge a higher price for his services.

Sheffield United may face competition from their play-off nemeses, Sunderland, with whom Mepham spent last season on loan.

The centre-back stated in March that he would be "open" to a permanent move to the Stadium of Light this summer, which makes for an intriguing potential transfer battle, with estimated figures from Capology stating the defender's weekly wage is £25,000.

This bill would be much easier for a Premier League club to afford, which may not benefit Wilder and Co. in this scenario.