On deadline day, Sheffield United competed with two other Championship clubs to sign a “first-class” international defender, but were unable to secure him.
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Blades fans were expecting for some last-minute business to be completed in the final hours of the winter transfer window, with one report indicating that the club was looking to make two deals.
According to reports, the anonymous attacking combination were “identified by the Blades’ new ownership group using their AI model” as Chris Wilder looked to add additional firepower to his side in order to enhance their bid for promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in May. Neither came to fruition, despite a rather peaceful day overall.
United agreed to recruit centre-back Rob Holding on loan until the end of the season, with the 29-year-old joining from Crystal Palace, where he has struggled to establish himself as a vital player since leaving Arsenal for Selhurst Park in 2023.
Japhet Tanganga, who has started 27 Championship games for Millwall this season, was also mentioned as a possible possibility for the Blades, but he ultimately decided to stay with the south London club.
Sheffield United missed out on “first-class” ace
According to The Mirror, Sheffield United intended to recruit Watford centre-back Ryan Porteous on deadline day, but Preston North End beat them to it, resulting in a setback.
The Blades were not alone in their desire to sign him; Hull City was also rumored to be interested before both clubs passed him up.
Porteous would have been a valuable acquisition to United, having shown himself at international level for Scotland, winning 12 caps to far.
He has also received praise from compatriot and Aston Villa player John McGinn, who said of him: “He’s had a lot of criticism in his short career. It was a chance for him to demonstrate Scotland and Europe what he was all about.He was first-class. A 10 out of 10 performance. If he continues to produce at this level, he will undoubtedly be a Scotland regular for many years to come.”
Porteous is only 25 years old, so he could have come in and struck the ground running for United, gaining valuable experience while being a reasonably young player with his best years ahead of him.
The Championship playoff battle is likely to go down to the wire this season, with fine details determining who advances, and squad depth will be critical as matches come thick and fast and legs begin to fatigue.
The hope is that Porteous isn’t a major loss for United, with Holding coming in and demonstrating his worth after spending so much time at Arsenal, which is an easy achievement for any player.
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