Sheffield United are trying to complete Ruben Selles transfer dream - it makes sense | OneFootball

Cian Ashford was previously a Ruben Selles link, but this one seems to make sense at Sheffield United

When you talk to any Sheffield United fan about their transfer business under Ruben Selles, the majority would wince at the thought of AI-based arrivals and underperforming youngsters.

The likes of Louie Barry and Ben Godfrey have already been sent back to their parent clubs after underwhelming loan spells; Mark McGuinness, Chiedoze Ogbene and Alex Matos have been phased out under the returning Chris Wilder. And the less said about Nils Zatterstrom, Ehije Ukaki and Mihael Polendakov, who haven't even touched a Championship ball as yet, the better.

However, one player who has piqued the interest of both Ruben Selles and Chris Wilder has been Cardiff City wideman Cian Ashford, and for the third consecutive window, the Blades have been quoted as being "admirers" of the 21-year-old.

Sheffield United reignited their interest in Ashford, following initial enquiries in January 2025, said Darren Witcoop towards the end of the summer window, and with those dying down over the course of the campaign, murmurs are starting to go around once more linking the two parties.

Not many inside Bramall Lane would be too keen on bringing in someone that Ruben Selles was keen on, but ultimately, interest goes even further back than the Spaniard, and the 21-year-old would actually fit in quite well on Sheffield United's right-hand side.

Cian Ashford has shown glimpses of quality in League One this season

Cardiff have shown so far this season that their academy is one of, if not the best, one in terms of generating top Welsh talent.

The drop to League One has allowed for the emergence of Dylan Lawlor, Ronan Kpakio and the Colwill brothers into real stars (albeit Rubin Colwill was already established in the Cardiff squad in the season prior).

Ashford, like Colwill, has benefited from the relegation somewhat, as it's allowed him to become a more focal part of the Bluebirds' side, following a breakout year last season where he made 28 appearances in the Championship.

Under the guidance of Brian Barry-Murphy, the 21-year-old has equalled his goal involvements from the year prior, with three goals and two assists in 17 League One starts, as Cardiff continue to dominate the third tier.

Given Barry-Murphy's set-up at the Cardiff City Stadium, focusing on a patient build-up and trying to make teams crack with sustained possession in the final third and around the edge of the area, it's been difficult for a winger to really thrive, as the games are a lot less open, and the wingers don't have as much freedom to attack.

However, Ashford has still shown some glimpses of being a dynamic, skillful wideman. 23 successful dribbles, 27 shots, 21 fouls won, and 56 touches in the opposition's box put him in the top 20% of right-wingers in League One.

He's evidently one of the top wingers in the third tier, and Championship sides are right to be checking out his availability, as, at just 21, he can really go all the way.

Cian Ashford would be a smart buy for Sheffield United

With Chris Wilder stripping back complications and lining up with a flat 4-4-2 over the past few weeks, direct and hard-working wingers are the name of the game to progress the ball at Sheffield United.

Opta has Ashford 18th in League One for total distance carried with the ball in League One this season, indicating that the 21-year-old likes to get the ball down and be forward-thinking.

The Welshman is quick with the ball at his feet, and he has the skills to really change the game in an instant, which might be the kind of injection that Chris Wilder's side needs to keep their play-off dreams alive in the second half of the season.

With a plethora of wide options at Wilder's disposal currently, a move for Ashford would realistically just be to bulk the position out even further. He'd be someone Wilder could rely on, but he wouldn't be the first name on the team sheet each week.

But the 21-year-old is a prospect, and in a few years, he could be Premier League quality, and for the right price, the move makes perfect sense.