Sheffield United’s search for a new defender has narrowed after Bournemouth turned down an approach from both the Blades and Leeds United.
Mepham has been mentioned as one of the defenders Chris Wilder is looking to sign ahead of the deadline later this week.
The Welsh international has dropped down the pecking order this season but has played his part recently and now, it seems like Andoni Iraola wants to keep the former Brentford man.
According to Fabrizio Romano, both United and Leeds have made an approach for Mepham but the Cherries have decided to turn them down. Indeed, the defender is now expected to stay with the South Coast side until at least the end of the season.
Sheffield United won’t be signing Chris Mepham
The ‘fantastic‘ Mepham was obviously among a number of potential targets for United this window and ultimately, that’s just how the January window goes at times.
The Blades will have put a number of players on their list and Mepham was probably one they thought might be available.
However, recent circumstances have dictated that he’s actually got a part to play with Bournemouth and you can’t blame them for keeping him.
Further, it would only strengthen United’s backline and given we could end up scrapping for a relegation spot if the stars align, they don’t want to improve us.
Time, then, to move on. Mepham would have been a solid addition but there’s more out there and come Thursday, we’re sure someone new will be in the building.