Sheffield United eyeing Aston Villa transfer agreement for 33-cap international | OneFootball

Sheffield United are keen on signing Ross Barkley to Chris Wilder's squad this January

Sheffield United are keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley in the January transfer window to bolster their midfield options.

According to Football Insider, the Blades have registered their interest with the Premier League side for the 32-year-old, despite the fact he's currently sidelined with a knee injury, which Unai Emery said would rule him out for at least eight weeks in early December.

Chris Wilder is looking to add some strength to his engine room as he aims to climb the Championship table and get back into contention for promotion to the top flight.

Barkley’s contract with Aston Villa is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, but the Midlands outfit have the option to extend his deal by a further year.

The midfielder has made just seven appearances in the league so far this term, each of which has come as a substitute, and he hasn't played since November 30 due to his knee issue.

Sheffield United eye Ross Barkley loan deal with Aston Villa

Sheffield United are seeking a deal to sign Barkley on loan for the second half of the Championship season.

While the 32-year-old is currently out of action with an injury, the Blades are believed to be ready to gamble on his fitness.

It’s understood that he should be back in action at the start of February, and the South Yorkshire outfit are keen to bring him in to bolster their chances of a top six finish.

Barkley’s high wages at Villa Park are seen as a potential stumbling block, but the second tier side are willing to work with Aston Villa in order to work out an agreement.

The 33-cap former England international has fallen down the pecking order under Unai Emery this season, but it remains to be seen whether the Spanish coach will be willing to let him go this month, particularly as they are still competing on three fronts.

Ross Barkley deal could risk wasting a loan spot for Sheffield United if his fitness doesn't hol dup

Barkley’s fitness issues have held him back in his career, and it would be a big risk for Sheffield United to use up a loan spot on somebody who might not be capable of playing too much.

However, the financial risk could be quite low if they can agree a loan deal in which Aston Villa still covers some - or most - of his wages.

And if Barkley can get back to full fitness in February, and crucially stay fit, then there’s no doubt he could have a big impact at a Championship level, either in a deeper role or in a more advanced attacking midfield position.

There is an inherent risk to getting this deal done for Sheffield United if they can, but it might just be a risk worth taking.