Sheffield United join Ipswich Town in race for AFC Bournemouth star Phillip Billing | OneFootball

The Championship duo are interested in signing Phillip Billing before the end of the transfer window.

Sheffield United have joined Ipswich Town in the race to sign AFC Bournemouth midfielder Phillip Billing before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Blades are monitoring Billing's situation at Bournemouth, as per journalist Gianluca di Marzio, as Ruben Selles looks to strengthen in midfield following an underwhelming start to the 2025/26 Championship season.

It was previously reported by Teamtalk.com that Ipswich have enquired about the 29-year-old, who is free to leave the Vitality Stadium before the transfer window closes.

Two German clubs are also said to be keen on signing Billing, while FC Copenhagen are also showing an interest, so there is set to be a battle for his signature during the coming weeks as the transfer deadline draws ever closer.

Sheffield United and Ipswich will hope that Billing is keen to stay in England following his loan spell at Napoli last season, as he would certainly be an excellent addition for any club in the second tier given his physical presence and previous output at that level.

Sheffield United to rival Ipswich Town for Phillip Billing

Reports that Sheffield United are interested in signing Billing will no doubt come as welcome news for the Blades' supporters, who have seen their side make a slow start to the new Championship season.

However, Ipswich are also yet to win a game since the new campaign started, so they too will be keen to add to their creative options before the end of the transfer window.

Gianluca Di Marzio's report states that Bournemouth want a fee in the region of £8.6 million for Billing, but they are yet to receive any official offers for the player at this stage.

Teamtalk.com reported earlier this week that Billing is likely to head out on loan again, having spent the second half of last season in Italy, so it would not be a huge surprise to see either Sheffield United or Ipswich try and sign him on a temporary basis, at least initially.

With German clubs said to be keen on signing Billing, and Danish side FC Copenhagen also reportedly showing interest, it remains to be seen whether Sheffield United or Ipswich can win the race for his signature.

Billing would be a good signing for Sheffield United or Ipswich Town

If either Sheffield United or Ipswich Town win the battle to sign Billing this summer, it could prove to be one of the best signings of the summer in the Championship.

The Denmark international has made 75 Premier League appearances over the last three seasons, and was part of the Napoli side that lifted the Serie A title last season, so he has more than enough experience to be highly effective in the second tier.

The last time Billing played at Championship level, he scored 10 goals and provided 10 assists as the Cherries won automatic promotion to the top flight under Scott Parker in 2022.

Considering Billing's physicality and aerial presence, combined with his ability on the ball and eye for goal, he would be an excellent signing for any side chasing promotion in the Championship, so Sheffield United or Ipswich Town could strengthen their squads significantly by striking a deal with Bournemouth before the transfer window closes.