Exclusive: Sheffield United and Wrexham backed to sign Chris Mepham | OneFootball

Don Goodman has told FLW his verdict on Sheffield United and Wrexham's bid for defensive reinforcement

Don Goodman has claimed that both Wrexham and Sheffield United need to strengthen defensively before the transfer window closes.

The Red Dragons have been linked with a number of centre-back options, the most recent of which was Chris Mepham, while Coventry City’s Bobby Thomas has emerged as a possible option for the Blades.

It has also been reported that the Red Dragons have agreed an £8 million deal to sign Callum Doyle from Manchester City.

The two clubs have conceded five goals each from their opening two league fixtures, earning two defeats in the process.

Don Goodman urges Wrexham and Sheffield United to act

Goodman has praised the impact Mepham had at Sunderland last year, suggesting he could be a great addition for either Wrexham or Sheffield United.

Regardless, he believes both must reinforce at the back, particularly with the loss of both Vini Souza and Anel Ahmedhodzic from Ruben Selles’ first team squad, as well as the step up from League One to the Championship for the Welsh outfit.

“I absolutely understand why both Wrexham and Sheffield United would want to sign Chris Mepham,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“I thought he was absolutely sensational for Sunderland last season.

“I could make a case that it was his best ever season in terms of how he played, the levels of his performances week-in and week-out and his consistency.

“In Wrexham and Sheffield United you’ve got two clubs that in the opening two Championship games have conceded five goals, so clearly defensively need strengthening.

“In terms of Sheffield United, the loss of Ahmedhodzic and Vini Souza in front of him, has proved a real big thing so far.

“And in Wrexham’s case it’s simply the step up to the new level that they’ve found difficult in terms of defensively in the opening couple of games.

“So, I could absolutely understand why both of those clubs would want to sign Chris Mepham.”

Both Wrexham and Sheffield United have until 1 September to complete any remaining transfer business before the market shuts.

Chris Mepham proved himself at Sunderland last year

It would be no surprise if Sheffield United did enter the race to sign Mepham given how well he performed for Sunderland last year.

With the deal for Doyle now agreed, it remains to be seen whether Wrexham will want even more defensive reinforcement.

But both sides need to strengthen in that area before the window closes, and the move for Doyle is a positive step in that direction.

Losing someone of Ahmedhodzic’s quality necessitates a proper replacement, and Souza going as well has only hurt Sheffield United’s defensive solidity even further.