Sheffield United set to win race over Sheffield Wednesday for Ipswich Town man | OneFootball

Sheffield United are closing in on their latest January transfer signing

Sheffield United are set to beat Sheffield Wednesday to the signing of Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke on loan for the rest of the season.

According to Mike McGrath, the Blades have reached an agreement for the full-back as Chris Wilder looks to strengthen his defensive options.

The Yorkshire outfit are fighting for automatic promotion to the Premier League this season, and have been busy in the January market in order to boost their chances of a top flight return.

Clarke previously helped Ipswich gain promotion last season, but has fallen down the pecking order of Kieran McKenna’s side this term.

Sheffield United close in on Harry Clarke

Sheffield United’s busy January transfer window is set to continue with the addition of Clarke from Ipswich.

It has been reported that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs for a short-term loan deal until the end of the campaign.

The Blades have already completed three signings this month, and could now be closing in on a fourth.

This will come as a real coup for Sheffield United, with The Star reporting this week that rivals Sheffield Wednesday were also in the race to his signautre.

The 23-year-old has made seven appearances in the Premier League so far this season, three of which have come as a substitute.

Clarke last played for the Tractor Boys on 12 January in the third round of the FA Cup, coming off the bench in their 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Sheffield United have added Tom Cannon, Ben Brereton Diaz and Hamza Choudhury to their squad so far this month, as deadline day approaches on Monday.

Sheffield United league position

Sheffield United are currently second in the Championship table, just two points behind league leaders Leeds United.

Third place Burnley are only one point behind, with Sunderland in fourth only another two points further back.

Wilder will be hoping to complete automatic promotion straight back to the Premier League at the first attempt this season.

Next up for the Blades is a trip to face Derby County on 1 February in a 3pm kick-off.

Sheffield United continue to bolster squad

Sheffield United’s January business has been about strengthening the squad as much as it’s been about the starting XI.

Bringing in Clarke will increase competition and allow Wilder more room to rotate his team as we come into the business end of the campaign.

Alfie Gilchrist has spent most of this season at right-back, but is also capable of playing in the middle, so this move could give Wilder some flexibility there as well.

Wilder has also been known to deploy a back-three system in the past, so this signing could open the door for some greater tactical variation in the second half of the campaign, while adding someone with promotion experience to the squad.