Sheffield United are keen on signing Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin in the summer transfer window, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.
Dobbin has spent the current campaign on loan at Championship side Preston North End, and he even found the net in his side’s 3-2 victory at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
Following the game, Chris Wilder was critical of his side at both ends of the pitch, saying: “There was a softness about us and then the shirt’s heavy. It’s been too heavy for some players. Both boxes have been our Achilles heel this season, even late on.
“I’m not saying Preston didn’t have chances, but 2-0 down, if you gamble and create the chances, you have to stick them away. There was a couple we had and we had to put them away.”
With that in mind, a major rebuilding job may be necessary in the summer, and several targets have already been identified in both midfield and attack.
Another forward has also been added to the shortlist, according to reporter Alan Nixon (via Football League World), who reveals Sheffield United are now plotting a move for Dobbin, with bringing in a new winger deemed a priority.
The 23-year-old had a successful spell with Derby County, chipping in with five goals and six assists before joining Villa for £10m back in 2023, and he has 17 goal contributions to his name in 38 Championship appearances for Preston this season.
During his time with Norwich City, the two-time England U19 international was described as “very explosive” by former manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, and his performances this term suggest he could be of great use to Sheffield United in a promotion push next season.
Wilder admits Sheffield United could lose players this summer
Sheffield United have the option to extend Jairo Riedewald and Danny Ings’ contracts by an extra year, leaving only Ben Mee, Adam Davies and Tom Davies as the players’ with deals set to come to an end this summer.
However, Wilder has admitted there may be some departures, to allow the Blades to manouevre in the transfer market, saying: “It’s the same as it always is. If we have to sell a player or two, then we will do. As long as we don’t give them away. That’s my take on it.
Sheffield United now eyeing summer move for £3m League One star who scored from 60 yards
The Blades are in the race for an “unpredictable” forward.
“If we have to raise money, we have to raise money. The owners put a lot of money into buying the football club and they put a lot of money in in terms of the investment at the start of the season as well.”