Sheffield United are eyeing a move for Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne, Football League World can exclusively reveal.
Dunne’s contract at Loftus Road expires in the summer, and he might leave this month if the Blades are able to close a deal.
Following Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at Swansea City, the Blades are second in the Championship table, and a victory over Hull City on Friday night would propel them to the top of the league, at least until Leeds United’s match against Burnley on Monday.
Sheffield United swoop for QPR defender Dunne
While Chris Wilder’s side appears to be on track for automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, the South Yorkshire club is looking to buy a new central defender during the January transfer window.
The Blades were dealt a crushing setback when on-loan defender Harry Souttar sustained a season-ending injury last month and had to return to home club Leicester City early to begin his recuperation.
Following Souttar’s injury, Jack Robinson has moved into one of Wilder’s central defender positions and has performed admirably, despite previously preferring to play in a back three or as a left-back.
However, with the season nearing its finish, the Blades are looking for a more comparable alternative for the Leicester player, which is why they are interested in QPR’s Dunne.
Dunne could prove to be a suitable Souttar replacement
During his tenure at Bramall Lane, Australia international Souttar established himself as an absolute rock at the back, winning an astonishing 69.3% of duels he faced and an additional 80.9% of aerial duels he fought for in the Championship this season, according to FotMob.
His warrior-like presence in the back four may be missed by Wilder and his teammates as the season comes to a close, but Dunne could be an adequate alternative.
The QPR player previously played at Manchester United’s development academy and made three Premier League appearances for former club Burnley in 2020/21.
| Jimmy Dunne 2024/25 Championship stats | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 28 |
| Starts | 28 |
| Tackles won | 34 |
| Tackles won % | 60.7 |
| Duels won | 217 |
| Duels won % | 63.3 |
| Pass accuracy % | 76.0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Goals | 4 |
And, despite playing for an R’s team that struggled earlier this season and shipped 35 goals, the Ireland international has demonstrated tremendous solidity, winning 217 duels this season, according to FotMob, indicating that he has similar physical abilities to Souttar.
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