"It’s very disappointing news" - Pundit reacts as Ipswich Town close in on Sheffield United ace | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has told Sheffield United to bring in more cover with Anel Ahmedhodžić potentially leaving the club.

Sheffield United are facing an uncertain near future, with Premier League clubs circling around centre-back Anel Ahmedhodžić .

Brentford, Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers have all been interested in the 25-year-old, but recent developments have put Ipswich in pole position for the Bosnian international, who has started in both of Sheffield United's opening Championship games,

According to Football Insider, the Tractor Boys are in advanced talks to bring Ahmedhodžić to Portman Road before the August 30 deadline, having fought off competition from their Premier League rivals.

The centre-back made 31 appearances for the Blades in the top flight last season, and could do nothing to stop his team from conceding 104 goals - a record in the Premier League era.

Nevertheless, moving to a new club that is better prepared for the division could be the perfect way for him to show what he can do against some of the biggest teams in the world. But, Sheffield United will need to bring in a replacement if he is to go.

Ahmedhodžić is key to Wilder's plans

Although there is a lot of concrete interest in the centre-back, Chris Wilder will want to do all he can to stop Ahmedhodžić from leaving Bramall Lane in the next week.

He has made 74 appearances since joining the club in 2022, helping the Blades to promotion in his first season.

His form in that promotion campaign was exceptional, and he provided goals as well as excellent defensive performances.

Speaking to FLW, former England and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, Carlton Palmer, understands why Wilder will fight hard to keep hold of the defender.

Palmer said: "He's 25, he's young, he's been capped 24 times by Bosnia and now Ipswich have moved ahead of Wolves.

"He's played both of the opening games in the Championship for Sheffield United this season, and he made 31 appearances last season in the Premier League, although they had the worst defensive record.

"He's under contract until the summer of 2026, and Sheffield United and Chris Wilder will be reluctant to lose a player of his quality as they’re looking to build a squad capable of winning promotion back to the Premier League."

Harry Souttar will be useful but more cover is needed

If Ahmedhodžić does leave, then Harry Souttar will have to step up as a starting centre-back until a replacement can be identified and bought.

He is currently behind Jack Robinson in the pecking order at Bramall Lane, but may have to form a good partnership with the 30-year-old who has been made captain for this season.

If the Ahmedhodžić saga is dragged out, and does not have a resolution before next Friday's deadline, then it could have a massive impact on Sheffield United's chances of bringing in another defender.

This is a cause for concern, according to Palmer: "They're bracing themselves for offers for the defender because he's been a very important figure in Sheffield United's defence. Brentford have also been showing some interest in him, but it looks like they may be moving on and looking at Burnley’s Dara O'Shea.

"They do have Harry Souttar at the football club who's very good at this level, but they still would not like to lose Ahmedhodzic and if they do lose him late in the window, then maybe they haven't got enough time to bring a replacement in.

"I'm sure Wilder will look to replace him straight away, but he will still need another player even though he's got a very capable replacement in Souttar.