Sheffield United are still interested in signing Joe Rodon from Swansea City, reports Yorkshire Live.
It was first reported the Blades were keen on Rodon almost a year ago and they were still keeping tabs on the defender earlier in this transfer window.
However, this was before Ethan Ampadu arrived on loan from Chelsea as competition at the back.
Since then Jack O’Connell has been ruled out for the season, though. O’Connell underwent knee surgery last week and will be sidelined for six months.
Rodon is attracting plenty of interest from elsewhere in the Premier League. According to The Sun, Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are also considering a move.
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3 reasons why Rodon is unlikely to join Sheffield United
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Price
The Sun adds that Swansea value Rodon at £20m. This is way beyond the Blades’ budget, who can’t even afford half of of that for Ben Davies.
Preston North End want £10m for Davies – another potential O’Connell replacement – but the South Yorkshire side may make a loan-to-buy offer to get around the fee.
Paying double that for Rodon is therefore unfeasible.
Position
Rodon was being considered as competition for Chris Basham and John Egan. The Wales international has played on the right and in the centre of a back three for the Swans.
Yet the Blades need to recruit on the left. While Rodon is almost certainly talented enough to play there, manager Chris Wilder favours a left-sided option.
That’s why both Terence Kongolo of Huddersfield Town and Bournemouth’s Diego Rico are also on his radar.
Others interested
With the ability to offer European football, both Leicester and Spurs are likely to be more attractive options.
Both clubs also have far deeper pockets than the Blades. As do West Ham, who complete the roster of interested top flight sides.
