Sheffield United urged to sign 25-year-old - It's a “no-brainer” transfer | OneFootball

Sheffield United have been told to do all they can to bring in Harry Darling as he prepares to leave Swansea City on a free this summer.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield United have been told to do all they can to secure Harry Darling’s signature, with adding a new centre-back seen as a priority this summer.

There is a lot of uncertainty at Bramall Lane right now, with doubts over the future of Chris Wilder, even though he led the team to third place last season.

However, a heartbreaking defeat to Sunderland in the play-off final condemned the Yorkshire outfit to another year in the Championship.

Sheffield United told to try and finalise Harry Darling deal

Despite the speculation surrounding Wilder, plenty of work will be going on in the background at Sheffield United, as the club looks to build a team that is capable of winning promotion.

A busy summer awaits, and the Blades are sure to be in the market for at least a few new centre-backs - and Darling is reported to be a target.

The 25-year-old’s deal with Swansea City expires in a matter of weeks, and he has been linked with a host of clubs recently, including Rangers, Norwich City and Birmingham City.

So, there is fierce competition to land the defender, and when asked by FLW whether Sheffield United should be pushing to land Darling, fan pundit Jimmy, from the Blades Ramble podcast, made it clear that the centre-back would improve the squad if he was brought in.

“I think Darling would be a very sensible signing. I like him, I think he’s a good to very good Championship defender. Whether he could step up to the Premier League, I’m not convinced. However, we’re not in the Premier League, so we need to try and get there first!

“I think there are better defenders out there, but considering the deal that’s available, Darling is coming with no transfer fee, and we are desperate for centre-backs as well. Some of us aren’t convinced by Jack Robinson, and Anel Ahmedhodzic is in the last year of his contract - and that’s it, as you’re then looking at youth team defenders.

“So, that is an area with huge focus for us, and Darling is a no-brainer for Sheffield United to add to the group. I think by the end of August he’d be in the first 12/13 in the squad.”

Sheffield United need to be ready for an important summer

The manner of the defeat to Sunderland means it will hurt Sheffield United for some time, but they have to quickly get over it and look to next season.

Obviously, the immediate concern is addressing the future of Wilder, as everyone needs to be on the same page moving forward if the Blades are to be successful.

Then, it’s about moving swiftly on targets, as the squad is weak in certain areas, and many of the group from last season were on loan.

That means there is a lot of work to do, and most would agree that they need a few centre-backs through the door, and many feel Darling would be a smart addition.