Exclusive: Sheffield United backed to sign £35k-a-week star - He "fits the bill" | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Sheffield United's interest in signing Chris Mepham

Lee Hendrie believes that Chris Mepham would be a great addition to the Sheffield United first team squad for next season.

It has been reported by Alan Nixon that the Blades are keen on signing the Bournemouth defender as they look to bolster their defensive options.

The centre-back spent the previous campaign on loan with Sunderland, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old made 38 appearances, as the Black Cats sealed a place back in the top flight at the expense of Wilder’s side, winning 2-1 in the play-off final.

Sheffield United encouraged to sign Mepham

Hendrie has claimed that Mepham would be an ideal signing to bolster their defensive options this summer.

He’s identified the backline as an obvious area that needs to be reinforced before next season if Wilder’s side are to once again push for promotion.

“I think it would be a great signing, I really do,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“I think he fits the bill for them.

“He’s got bags of experience, defensively I think maybe that’s where they need a little bit more stability.

“They lost players at the back, so I think that’s probably an area that they’ve identified that they need to bolster, they’ve got lots of quality further up the pitch.

“And they’ve also got a fantastic goalkeeper, so yes I think it would be a brilliant addition for the Blades and a really solid signing if that’s to come off.”

Mepham’s wage concerns

It has been claimed that wages could be a potential stumbling block to a deal between Sheffield United and the Cherries this summer.

According to estimated figures from Capology, the defender is earning £35,000 per week with the Premier League side.

Mepham is out of contract with Bournemouth this month, but it’s been reported by The Star that there is an option in his deal to extend it by a further 12 months.

Mepham deal could be smart business if Sheffield United can get it done

Mepham performed well for Sunderland this season, and was an important part of their rise to promotion.

The defender is also quite experienced, and has 61 Premier League appearances under his belt.

The Welshman would be a great addition to the Sheffield United squad if they could get a deal over the line.

While his wages may prove a stumbling block, there is still a possibility he will be a free agent in a few weeks, which would make it easier to accept paying him around what he’s earned with Bournemouth.