Sheffield United in pole position ‘to sign’ Joe Rothwell after Patrick Bamford | OneFootball

Sheffield United are in pole position to sign Joe Rothwell in January, with the 30-year-old potentially leaving Rangers after falling out of favour, according to The Daily Record.

The report adds Bramall Lane chiefs are confident of completing a deal next month, although it is unclear whether it would be a loan or a permanent transfer.

Rothwell spent one season on loan at Leeds in 2024/25, impressing in a title-winning campaign with several pivotal assists from central midfield. Leeds chose not to make the move permanent after promotion, prioritising physicality, and he then joined Rangers on a three-year contract.

Rothwell’s Championship experience is seen as a key factor for United as they climb the table after a dismal start. He has been part of two promotion-winning squads in the past two years, at Southampton then Leeds, and, after coming off the bench, twice set up Pascal Struijk in February’s 2-1 comeback against Sunderland.

A move would reunite him with Patrick Bamford, who signed a short-term deal in November after leaving Leeds before the 2025/26 season. He was linked with Getafe and came close to joining Coventry City after a spell training with the Championship leaders, before opting for Bramall Lane.

He has scored two goals in six appearances. "They've been outstanding [Bamford and Jairo Riedewald], I've been delighted with the contribution of both of the guys." Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield earlier this month, Wilder said: "I personally don't want to lose both of them, so it's up to us to find a common ground in terms of [contract] length and obviously the details of the contract."

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk