Previously-linked Defensive Rock Appears on Sheffield United Radar Once Again as Blades Also Monitoring Young Midfield Talent | OneFootball

Sheffield United’s revamped recruitment strategy has identified two of Tottenham Hotspur’s brightest young prospects.

The Blades are closely monitoring defender Ashley Phillips and midfielder Alfie Devine, two highly rated young players within Spurs’ ranks, per The Star. The towering centre-back, Phillips, was previously linked with Sheffield United in April 2024 as the club reportedly eyed a loan move. Using a newly adopted heavily data-driven model, the 19-year-old has once again been identified by the Blades as they face their second attempt at getting back to the Premier League.

A key figure behind these potential new signings is James Bord, a former professional poker player and tech entrepreneur with a deep interest in football analytics. Bord is also a lifelong Spurs supporter and is now playing a pivotal role in the performance data which the Blades are using in their new recruitment strategy.

Both Phillips and Devine are exactly the type of players that the Blades should be going for, given they are under 21 years of age but equally have first-team experience in good quality leagues. We saw the Blades make two smart young additions last summer in Michael Cooper and Harrison Burrows, and we may see them add a couple more young quality players to an already young squad which features the likes of Oliver Arblaster, Sydie Peck, Femi Seriki and Andre Brooks.

Ashley Phillips And Alfie Devine Have Lots of Potential

When the Blades were linked with Phillips last summer, here is how I described the young defender: “He’s really strong in the tackle and aerial duels. At 18 years of age, he possesses all the right abilities to become a top level modern day centre-back in the future. His ability on the ball is good and he isn’t afraid of attempting difficult passes.”

Since writing this in April 2024, he racked up 35 starts in the Championship last season for Stoke City and helped them keep 10 clean sheets in what was a very poor Stoke squad overall.

Meanwhile, Devine, the high-energy and more attack-minded midfielder featured heavily for KVC Westerlo in the Belgian Pro League last campaign, starting 22 times (eight sub appearances) and netted six goals and provided an assist.

These two players would likely be loan deals, but if the owners were to splash the cash on this exciting young Spurs duo then it would definitely be a very positive sign for things to come this summer and beyond regarding transfer incomings.

Chris Wilder And Sheffield United Board at Peace Despite Sack Reports

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United, reacts during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final match between Sheffield United and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium on May 24, 2025 in London, England. This weekend’s EFL play-off matches at Wembley will all kick-off one minute late, to raise awareness for the ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign, which aims to encourage people to learn CPR. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Despite some speculation, there is no conflict between manager Chris Wilder and the club’s hierarchy over this new recruitment approach. In fact, it is being reported by Sky Sports that Wilder has a strong working relationship with Steven Rosen, and the upcoming decision to sack the Sheffield United legend isn’t anything to do with the new approach to transfers. The new board just want an entire change of direction in terms of how the club is run and structured, as they seek more of a younger head coach figure to lead the club such as Ruben Selles.