Leicester Boss Makes Public Comment on Sheffield United Gaffer Amid Transfer Talk | OneFootball

Sheffield United’s search for defensive reinforcements appears to be gathering pace, with reports from German Garcia Grova suggesting the Blades have submitted a bid for Argentine centre-back Nicolas Valentini.

Chris Wilder is looking to strengthen a backline that remains one of the club’s biggest priorities before the new Championship season.

The 25-year-old defender is understood to be attracting interest from a number of clubs, with Spanish side Alaves also in the race for his signature.

With less than two weeks remaining until the Championship opener against Birmingham City at Bramall Lane, time is beginning to become a significant factor. Valentini would certainly fit the profile of defender Wilder appears to be targeting. Standing at 6ft2, the left-footed Argentine is an aggressive, front-foot centre-back who is comfortable defending high up the pitch while also possessing the composure to play out from the back.

Having come through the famous Boca Juniors academy, Valentini established himself in Argentina before earning a move to Fiorentina. He has also spent time with Hellas Verona and remains highly regarded despite finding opportunities limited in Italy. Now, with Alaves also interested, Sheffield United face competition if they are to bring him to South Yorkshire.

Leicester City Boss Makes Issues Public Statement Regarding Souttar

However, despite their interest in Valentini, Harry Souttar continues to be the priority. The towering Australia international has been heavily linked with a move to Bramall Lane throughout the summer, but Sheffield United have so far been unable to convince Leicester City to sell.

Speaking publicly on the situation, Foxes boss Russell Martin admitted there have been approaches from the Blades but made it clear Leicester have no intention of letting the defender leave unless the circumstances change.

“I wouldn’t usually comment on people staying or going but we have an opposition manager in Chris – who I really like – who keeps talking about one of our players,” Martin said via Leicestershire Live.

He added: “There’s been a couple of offers, no discussions and the answer’s been no. People will leave when it’s right for both parties.”

Tanganga And Baptiste to Start the First Game?

Throughout pre-season, Japhet Tanganga and Jamal Baptiste have formed the central defensive partnership in the majority of Sheffield United’s friendlies. While Baptiste has impressed with several composed performances after returning from his loan spell, asking the 22-year-old to shoulder such responsibility across a demanding Championship campaign would represent a significant gamble.

Tanganga, meanwhile, remains an experienced option, but depth behind the starting pair is currently thin. That situation has only been made more pressing by the expectation that both Nils Zatterstrom and Mark McGuinness could leave Bramall Lane this summer as the club continues to reshape its squad.

Should those departures materialise without replacements arriving, United would head into the opening weeks of the season desperately short in one of the most important areas of the pitch.