Joe Rothwell ‘to join’ Sheffield United ahead of medical, Bamford reunion nears | OneFootball

Joe Rothwell is set to become the second member of Leeds United’s 2024/25 title-winning squad to link up with Patrick Bamford at Sheffield United, with a medical booked for Monday.

The Sheffield Star reports that the Blades have made a breakthrough and are closing on an agreement, with the 31-year-old scheduled for tests after choosing United over Wrexham and Derby County.

Rothwell shone on loan at Elland Road last season, making 36 Championship appearances, 24 starts and four assists. He did not score but set up Pascal Struijk twice in February’s 2-1 comeback win against Sunderland.

He also partnered Ao Tanaka during a spell in which Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev were sidelined with serious knee injuries, the summer arrivals impressing together in midfield.

Leeds declined to make his move permanent after promotion, prioritising physicality over technicality in recruitment. 49ers Enterprises instead signed him for Rangers, where he has played 409 Premiership minutes amid managerial change, so a Championship return looks likely.

Blades manager Chris Wilder said on Monday: "Joe’s in situ and hopefully we can get that one over the line. He’s somebody that gives us that strength in depth in that midfield department. He is someone I have liked for quite a long time."

If completed, Rothwell would reunite with Bamford and join fellow ex-Leeds men Leo Hjelde, signed on loan from Sunderland, and Jamie Shackleton in the United squad.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk