Lewis Dobbin drops Aston Villa future update as Sheffield United and Preston lurk | OneFootball

Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Lewis Dobbin this summer

Sheffield United and Preston North End have both had to settle for underwhelming ends to the campaign.

The Lancashire outfit were in the mix for promotion to the Premier League, but fell away in the second half of the term.

Meanwhile, Chris Wilder’s side reached the play-off final last year, but have been unable to maintain that competitive level this season.

The two clubs will now be planning for another Championship campaign, with their sights set on the upcoming transfer window.

Sheffield United will be hoping to make their return to the Premier League at the third time of asking, while Preston haven’t competed in the top flight since 1961.

And the pair could find themselves both competing for the same transfers, with the Blades recently linked with a deal for Lewis Dobbin, who has spent the year on loan at Deepdale from Aston Villa.

Lewis Dobbin opens up on his future amid Sheffield United links

Dobbin has opened up on his future amid uncertainty on the next step in his career, claiming that he does not want to take a sideways move in the summer.

He revealed that he is in constant dialogue with Aston Villa, and that he is hoping they will be impressed with his performances in Paul Heckingbottom’s side while on loan.

“I want to take a step forward rather than a sideways or backwards step,” said Dobbin, via the Lancashire Evening Post.

“I want to try and play at the highest level possible; I think I can do that.

“So, that's what I'll aim to do and we'll see what happens.

“I speak to them (Aston Villa) weekly.

“I'll have to go in after the end of the season so we'll see what they say and hopefully, they'll be really happy with me.”

Dobbin has left the door open to a return to the Championship next season, but has ultimately claimed that any decision will be up to Aston Villa.

“We'll see what happens,” he added.

“I mean, it depends. There's a lot of factors.

“You've got to listen to what other clubs are saying.

“You've got to listen to what Aston Villa want for you as well.

“So, it's difficult.

“I think whatever happens, I'll try and make it the most suitable move for me and the position I'm in, in my career at the minute.

“I've just got to make the most out of whatever situation I get thrown into.”

Dobbin has contributed nine goals and eight assists in the Championship so far this season, with the 23-year-old adding a further goal in the EFL Cup.

The winger has a contract with Aston Villa until June 2028, but it remains to be seen whether he can break into Unai Emery’s first team plans.

Dobbin has previously spent time on loan with Norwich City and West Brom prior to joining Preston last summer.

He has yet to feature in the Premier League for Villa, but he featured three times for Everton in the top flight prior to moving to Villa Park.

The youngster’s final game for Preston will come this weekend when Heckingbottom’s side will host promotion-chasing Southampton.

The Lilywhite will host Tonda Eckert’s side on 2 May in a 12.30pm kick-off as they look to cement their place inside the top half of the table.

Lewis Dobbin signing could be on the cards for Sheffield United

It’s no surprise that Dobbin is attracting interest from Sheffield United, as his performances this season have been quite promising.

His quality in the final third could be what helps the Yorkshire outfit fight for promotion next season.

It’s hard to imagine him making an impact at Aston Villa next season, particularly with Emery’s side on the cusp of qualifying for the Champions League.

But a move to Bramall Lane, or staying at Deepdale, could offer him the regular game time that he will surely be seeking, whether that’d be on a permanent basis or as another loan remains to be seen.