Sheffield United set to beat Wrexham AFC, Derby County in Rangers transfer race | OneFootball

The Blades look set to bolster their midfield department by bringing Joe Rothwell to Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United are reportedly set to beat Wrexham and Derby County to the signing of Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell.

This is according to a report by The Star, who have outlined that the Blades are edging closer to their second arrival of the winter transfer window.

It is believed the midfielder has had a medical penciled in, with Rothwell expected to make a return back to England after a six-month spell away.

It also means Sheffield United are on course to ease their current woes in the midfield department after losing out on Dan Neil earlier in the window to Ipswich Town, with this impending arrival easing the burden on other senior options as Championship games continue to arrive thick and fast.

Rothwell will be adding both Championship experience and a winning mentality to the Yorkshire outfit after helping Southampton to promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2024, while he also has a promotion on his CV with Leeds United.

Sheffield United set to beat Derby County and Wrexham to Joe Rothwell signing

According to The Star, Sheffield United look to have fended off interest from the likes of Derby County and Wrexham to seal the signing of Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell.

It has been revealed that the move is advancing rapidly, with a medical scheduled as the midfielder prepares to return to England after a six-month spell away.

Blades boss Chris Wilder has been a long-term admirer of the ex-Leeds United and Bournemouth man, and looks set to get his desired target to help add both freshness and increased quality levels in the engine room.

Sheffield United were left disappointed earlier on in the window when Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil opted for a switch to Portman Road and Ipswich Town, but they are well-placed to add their second addition of the winter transfer window in an area that needed bolstering.

There's no doubt that Sheffield United adding Joe Rothwell to the mix is a positive outcome, particularly with his previous pedigree in the second-tier and involvement in promotion-winning sides.

His technical skills and quality on the ball is something Blades supporters can look forward to watching for the remainder of this campaign, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the incoming loanee cement himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Meanwhile, the addition of Rothwell will also help other options in midfield, including Oli Arblaster and Tom Davies.

Arblaster is still working his way back to full fitness after a 13-month injury layoff, while Davies made back-to-back starts for the first time this season, unfortunately making way in the second half at The Den due to a hamstring complaint.

The fact that the Blades have managed to fight off rigorous second-tier interest is a statement of intent, with optimism surely brewing that he can be the man to help push the Yorkshire outfit up the table and drag them into the play-off race.