Sheffield United set to beat Birmingham City & Wolves to Chelsea transfer deal | OneFootball

Sheffield United have reportedly fought off competition from Birmingham City and Wolves to sign Chelsea defender Harry McGlinchey.

Sheffield United are reportedly set to beat Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers to the signing of a Chelsea player.

After losing their first six games of the season in all competitions under former manager Ruben Selles, Sheffield United have improved significantly since Chris Wilder returned to the club for a third spell in charge in September.

Not only has Wilder managed to steer his side away from relegation danger, but talk of a potential late push for the play-offs has gained momentum at Bramall Lane, with the Blades currently sitting just nine points from the top six.

Wilder expressed his desire to make changes to his squad ahead of the January transfer window, but United have made just one new signing during what has been a quiet month so far, with defender Ki-Jana Hoever joining on loan from Wolves.

However, it could be a busy few days for the Blades ahead of Monday's 7pm deadline, with a number of incomings and outgoings expected, and, according to Football Insider, Chelsea defender McGlinchey could be one of those coming through the door.

Sheffield United closing in on Harry McGlinchey, Chelsea deal amid Birmingham City, Wolves competition

It was revealed last week that Sheffield United, Birmingham and Wolves were battling it out for Harry McGlinchey, and it now seems that the Blades have won the race for his signature, with the deal set to be completed before the end of the window.

McGlinchey began his career with his local side, Plymouth Argyle, before joining Chelsea at Under-14 level, and he has progressed through the ranks at Stamford Bridge in recent years.

As a reward for his development, McGlinchey signed his first professional contract with the Blues in December 2024, while he has also become a regular for the Republic of Ireland at youth level, earning six caps for the Under-19s to date.

However, McGlinchey has mainly featured for Chelsea's Under-18s this season, with the defender finding it tough to break into the Under-21 squad due to the level of competition for places, and as there is no clear pathway to the first team at this stage, the Premier League giants made him available for transfer this month.

It appears McGlinchey has had no shortage of suitors in the January window, with Championship play-off hopefuls Birmingham and top flight bottom side Wolves both among his admirers, but Sheffield United now look to have stolen a march on their rivals.

Harry McGlinchey, Sheffield United move could have Harrison Burrows domino effect

It is unclear whether McGlinchey will go straight into the Sheffield United senior squad or if he will be viewed as one for the future, but the addition of another left-back at Bramall Lane could result in a potential departure.

With Sam McCallum cementing himself as Wilder's first choice left-back this season, one of the stars of the previous campaign, Harrison Burrows, has found himself out of favour in recent months, and Turkish side Trabzonspor had a £3.5 million bid for the 24-year-old rejected earlier this month.

While they are yet to return with an improved offer, if they were to meet the Blades' £5 million valuation before the end of the window, the imminent arrival of McGlinchey could convince United to part company with Burrows.