How Hull City have responded to Sheffield United transfer approach for Tigers star | OneFootball

Sheffield United have made a transfer enquiry for Hull City defender Charlie Hughes.

Sheffield United have made a transfer enquiry for Hull City defender Charlie Hughes, but the Tigers have rebuffed Blades' interest.

With the departure of Anel Ahmedhodzic to Feyenoord being a big Bramall Lane blow, his exit has left the Blades in desperate need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2025/26 season.

With the Championship season on the horizon as they take on Bristol City at home this weekend, United will be hoping to make a fast start to the new campaign, as they look to put last term's play-off final heartbreak to Sunderland behind them.

Ruben Selles has made a handful of new additions this summer, with the likes of Djibril Soumare, Louie Barry and Tyler Bindon all joining the club, and it also appears he's had his eye on a potential Hull City transfer reunion in the Steel City.

Hull City respond to Sheffield United's Charlie Hughes enquiry

According to a report from Sheffield Star reporter Danny Hall on Tuesday, Sheffield United have made an enquiry for Hull City centre-back Charlie Hughes.

This comes as the Blades seek out defensive options due to the aforementioned exit of Ahmedhodzic, as he joins Dutch side Feyenoord for around £7million, reports The Star.

After working under Selles throughout his time with the Tigers last season, the Spaniard took a liking to Hughes, and he played a key role in securing Hull City's safety.

Selles has seemingly since made Hughes a primary target to replace Ahmedhodzic, but he has also attracted attention from other Championship clubs such as Coventry City, who also have the 21-year-old on their shortlist, according to Hull Live.

After winning Hull City's player of the season last year, it's no surprise that Selles has kept a close eye on the defender as he takes on his new role as manager of Sheffield United.

Hughes has spoken highly of his former manager in the past when playing for the Tigers. He told Hull Live, "Since he's come in, the lads are grateful for what he has done for us... For me and the lads, I think we really get along with him."

However, The Star have reported that the Blades have been 'dissuaded' from the deal for the centre-half due to Hull's valuation of the player being too high.

With Hughes looking like a difficult target for the Blades due to Hull City viewing the defender as their 'prized asset' despite current transfer restrictions, according to Hull Live, Selles needs to find a replacement for their former reliable Bosnian, who has been a key figure for Sheffield United since his 2022 move from Malmö.

Hughes would surely have been excellent signing for Sheffield United

After previously kicking off his career with Wigan Athletic, the 21-year-old made the move to the Tigers last summer, where he made 27 league appearances for them in the Championship.

Hughes was able to grab a goal and assist for his efforts too, as he very much caught the eye at the MKM Stadium, and was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise fairly dismal season for Hull.

He certainly fits the profile of a young, talented central defender with plenty of room to grow into a top-class one in the coming years, and could be the sort of deal that sees Sheffield United earn a significant return on their investment down the line.

Therefore, having their transfer enquiry thrown back at them will be a disappointment for Blades, as it now appears they will have to take their search for a new central defender elsewhere.

One option could be Malmo defender Nils Zatterstrom, however, as Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath has claimed that United are looking into a deal for the 20-year-old Sweden international.