Exclusive: Sheffield United chasing Coventry City transfer before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline | OneFootball

Football League World can reveal the Blades' interest in Sky Blues defender Liam Kitching

Sheffield United have been in search of experienced defensive reinforcements ahead of Tuesday's 11PM transfer deadline, and Football League World can exclusively reveal that one name on the club's shortlist is Coventry City centre-back, Liam Kitching.

It has been an extremely frustrating start to the Championship campaign for the Blades, as they have kickstarted the season with three draws against Birmingham City, Swansea City and Cardiff City, with the first two of those also ending goalless.

And, while Chris Wilder has been looking to reshape his squad after a disappointing 13th-placed finish in 2025/26, the Steel City side have been embroiled in an off-pitch dispute involving current ownership consortium, COH Sports and former owner, Prince Abdullah.

As such, it was reported with a matter of days until tomorrow's transfer deadline that United would be turning their attention to striking deals on free transfers or in the loan market.

Meanwhile, Coventry, with their own boardroom struggles now firmly behind them, have somewhat reshaped their squad after winning the Championship under Frank Lampard, but haven't made an ideal start in their aim of Premier League survival, and Kitching could be on the move as a result of those changes.

Sheffield United plot late loan swoop for Coventry City ace Liam Kitching

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With United having just over 24 hours to finalise any deals before the close of the window until New Year's Day, FLW understand that Kitching, 26, has been eyed by the Bramall Lane side on a loan deal from the top-flight newcomers.

The Harrogate-born defender signed from Barnsley three summers ago for £4.5m, which, at the time, saw him become the most expensive centre-back in the Sky Blues' history.

He has since made 107 appearances for the West Midlands outfit under Mark Robins and Lampard, with 38 of those coming in last season's run to the Championship title, where he predominantly featured alongside Bobby Thomas.

However, Coventry have now recruited the defensive trio of Aurèle Amenda, Ethan Pinnock and Stephen Mfuni, whilst Kitching was an unused substitute in the defeats to Arsenal and Hull City despite captaining City to a 4-2 success over Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Cup second round.

Liam Kitching swoop comes after defensive transfer frustrations for Sheffield United

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United have only managed to sign five new players this summer amid the chaos ensuing at boardroom level, even though Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy recently attempted to reassure concerned supporters that the club's financial position remains 'healthy'.

However, COH Sports' decision to alter the Blades' transfer plans saw a pin put on their long-standing pursuit of Australian international and former loanee, Harry Souttar, from Leicester City.

Since then, United have also been linked with Joe Worrall, who now appears to be Wrexham-bound from divisional rivals, Burnley, whilst it has also been revealed that despite even visiting the club's Shirecliffe training facility, concerns over Adam Webster's injury record means a free transfer will not be agreed for the former Brighton man.

Liam Kitching, Sheffield United loan would be a smart move for all parties

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Despite only signing a new contract in February, Coventry's need to reshape their squad after ending a 25-year wait for Premier League football means that Kitching appears to be one of their promotion heroes who will somewhat become a victim of the club's short-term success.

And with Mfuni agreeing a loan move of his own to CV6, that leaves Lampard with five centre-backs on the club's books, meaning a smart move for the former Leeds United academy graduate to join United on a loan basis.