Sheffield United could face a battle on their hands when it comes to keeping Oliver Arblaster, with Liverpool apparently keen on the midfielder.
Arblaster has recently returned to the club and is now pushing himself back to full fitness in the hope of featuring between now and the end of the season.
Indeed, Chris Wilder has said himself he is looking forward to working with Arblaster, after stopping a second loan spell being approved in January.
However, there is also a worry at the club that Arblaster has yet to sign a new contract and according to Liverpool site Anfield Watch, the Reds are keeping an eye on the Blades youngster.
It’s claimed that Arblaster is among the young players Liverpool have eyes on as potential signings as the club look to build beyond Jurgen Klopp’s exit in the summer.
The Reds have given chances to a number of young players like Conor Bradley and Jarrell Quansah this season, while others such as Harvey Elliott have progressed into first-team regulars.
Liverpool are also thought to be keen on signing another United youngster, Luke Faxon.
Sheffield United need to keep Arblaster
This would be a bit of a nightmare for United really. Having developed Arblaster and put the work into getting him ready for first-team action, losing him to Liverpool for close to nothing would sting.
Of course, we accept that the academy is there to make money for Sheffield United in general. If Arblaster was to be bought for a good fee under contract, then fair enough.
But with no new deal signed yet, Arblaster might well be tempted if an offer from Anfield comes along.
Not that we’d begrudge the player himself taking up that offer. But purely for Sheffield United as a football club, this is a player we need putting on fresh terms and quickly.
The Blades have recently signed the likes of Will Osula, Antwoine Hackford and Femi Seriki to new contracts and the club will hope Arblaster follows suit soon.