Sheffield United Monitoring Manchester United Academy Graduate as Blades Standout Involved in Shock Transfer Link | OneFootball

Sheffield United have been linked with a number of players so far this summer as they prepare for another shot at getting promoted out of the Championship.

Sheffield United Looking at Oli McBurnie Alternative as Manchester United Academy Graduate Also Eyed

PRESTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Emil Riis Jakobsen of Preston North End looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End FC and Stoke City FC at Deepdale on April 05, 2025 in Preston, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

United are one of several Championship clubs monitoring Preston North End striker Emil Riis Jakobsen, per Anthony Joseph. The Danish forward, 26, is out of contract at the end of June and is expected to be available on a free transfer.

Riis Jakobsen scored 12 goals in 45 league appearances last season as he helped Preston avoid relegation from the second tier.

He has a great physical presence, aerial ability, and has mobility to run in behind the back line, so he possesses a combination of the threats of Kieffer Moore and Tyrese Campbell.

Coventry City are also reportedly interested, which could present competition, particularly if the Sky Blues offer more immediate minutes or a clearer path to a starting role.

Another name to emerge in the rumour mill this week is Ethan Galbraith, with United and Swansea City showing interest in the Leyton Orient midfielder, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.

Galbraith, 24, is a technically gifted playmaker who came through Manchester United’s academy and he impressed in League One last season with Leyton Orient, showing a strong passing range and work rate in central midfield.

Despite falling at the final hurdle in the League One play-off final, the Northern Irish international had a successful season individually, netting six times and chipping in with six assists in 39 games. United’s midfield depth is currently good, but there is potential for Vinicius Souza to leave the club this summer.

Goalkeeping Duo Linked With Moves Away From the Blades

On the flip side, one standout Sheffield United player has been linked with a move to the Premier League. According to Alan Nixon, Everton are reportedly interested in Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper as a potential backup option to England number one Jordan Pickford.

The 25-year-old, who joined from Plymouth Argyle last summer, impressed everyone at the club as he kept 21 clean sheets in 43 games. He showed his ability to make great reflex saves, one-vs-one stops, commanding his area and his decent distribution to help start counterattacks.

However, United are in no rush to sell, and sources close to the club suggest Cooper is not at all keen on a move where he’d be a second-choice.

Another Blades goalkeeper has been linked with a departure, and this one should come as no surprise. Ivo Grbic, who was a disastrous signing in January 2024 by Chris Wilder, was shipped out on loan last season to Rizespor, where he played 23 times. And according to Croatia Footy, Celta Vigo are looking at bringing the Croatian back to Spain having previously been a back-up goalkeeper for Atletico Madrid.