Clarity offered over Sheffield United move for another Sheffield Wednesday transfer target | OneFootball

The former Southampton midfielder was reported to have finalised a move to Bramall Lane from Vancouver Whitecaps

Sheffield United haven't agreed a deal for Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong, despite reports in Canada stating that he was set for Bramall Lane on loan until the end of the season.

The report from Canadian Soccer Daily stated that the Blades had beaten promotion rivals Burnley and West Bromwich Albion, as well as their neighbours Sheffield Wednesday to the Scotsman.

The arrival would have marked the second time this window that Chris Wilder's side would have pipped their local rivals to a signing after they confirmed the loan signing of Harry Clarke from Premier League side Ipswich Town earlier this week.

However, according to The Sheffield Star, this isn't the case.

United are believed instead to be focusing their attention on adding a centre half to their squad before the end of the window, rather than the attacking midfielder Armstrong.

Armstrong rumours "wide of the mark"

The Sheffield Star has reported that the loan deal for Scottish international Stuart Armstrong isn't as certain as many Sheffield United fans were led to believe this morning.

The 32-year-old left Southampton in the summer, signing for MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

The news that he was signing for Sheffield United came as a surprise to many, as many had earmarked a quick return to England for Armstrong, but via Sheffield Wednesday, not United - a Football League World exclusive earlier this week pinpointed the Owls' interest alongside West Brom.

However, the report this morning stated that reports from Canada are "wide of the mark," and that no deal has been agreed for Armstrong as things stand.

Sheffield United are targeting defensive reinforcements instead

With less than a week remaining until the January transfer window slams shut, Chris Wilder is focusing his attention towards defenders, meaning a move for Stuart Armstrong may not materialise.

Chris Wilder has already brought in one midfielder this winter, signing Hamza Choudhury on loan from Leicester City.

Additionally, Vini Souza made his return to the side against Hull City after five games out through injury, and Tom Davies is close to returning after missing the last two, so Sheffield United's midfield remains saturated, even if Ollie Arblaster is set to miss the remainder of the season through injury.

Sheffield United are yet to bring in a centre-back after Leicester loanee Harry Souttar was ruled out for the rest of the season, so if the Blades are set to bring in any more bodies this January, expect it to be in defence.

Micheal Keane and Harry Darling have been linked, according to the Sheffield Star, as well as Luke Woolfenden per TTWD and, as FLW exclusively reported, Jimmy Dunne.

The door's still open for Armstrong to move to Wednesday

With Armstrong's future still undecided, a move to Sheffield may still be on the cards, with the former Southampton man still on Wednesday's radar.

Despite not playing since the MLS season ended in October, Armstrong would still be a good pick-up for the Owls.

Armstrong contributed five goals and seven assists as he helped the Saints gain Premier League promotion last season, and has plenty of experience in the top leagues in England and Scotland.

Having worked with Danny Rohl at Southampton, a push for the creative midfielder might be what Sheffield Wednesday need if they were to solidify their play-off aspirations post-January.