Sheffield United Could Miss Out On 23-year-old in New Transfer Twist | OneFootball

We are just a couple of weeks out from the opening Championship weekend of the 2025/26 season, and Sheffield United are continuing to search for new additions in the transfer market.

According to Alan Nixon, Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is a loan target for the Blades. The 22-year-old, formerly of Aston Villa, has struggled to break into the Toffees’ first team on a consistent basis but remains a highly regarded prospect.

United are believed to be in talks with Everton over a potential season-long loan as they seek to bolster their central midfield options following the departure of defensive midfielder Vinicius Souza.

Ruben Selles has already hinted at the Blades signing Djibril Soumare, a number six from Braga, and now Iroegbunam’s name has entered the discussion, which may indicate that a deal for Soumare is no longer in place.

United Look Set to Miss Out on Goals & Assists Machine

United are also in the mix for Go Ahead Eagles winger Oliver Antman, with Nixon suggesting they are currently leading the race to sign the Finnish international.

Having mainly explored loan deals up to now, United have freed up funds to make a permanent move for the 23-year-old, who impressed in the Eredivisie last season. However, the Blades face competition. Rangers are pushing hard for a deal and have reportedly made a transfer breakthrough, according to the Daily Record, with a timeline emerging for a possible agreement.

This would be a huge blow to Sheffield United given that he is a very reliable source for both goals and assists, having scored seven times and serving up 17 assists in 39 appearances last term.

Sheffield United Rock Attracting Premier League Clubs

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 29: Michael Cooper of Sheffield United is congratulated by teammates after he saves a penalty kick from Patrick Roberts of Sunderland during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Sunderland AFC at Bramall Lane on November 29, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

United’s highly-rated goalkeeper Michael Cooper is attracting attention from the top flight, with West Ham United adding him to their growing list of goalkeeper targets, per Alan Nixon. The 25-year-old impressed in his debut season as a Blade, and while Everton reportedly previously approached United, Cooper wasn’t keen on a move to Goodison Park, believing he’d be second choice there.

However, sources close to the situation suggest Cooper would be interested in a move where he could be a guaranteed number one, and West Ham could provide that opportunity with doubts lingering over their current goalkeeping depth.

The Blades certainly wouldn’t want to lose a standout shot-stopper at this level. And with a reported £15 million price tag, it’s difficult to imagine what sort of goalkeeper they could attract at Championship level at that price.