Sheffield United eyeing Wilfred Ndidi as £9m relegation release fee emerges
Despite missing out on automatic promotion, Sheffield United have reportedly joined the race to sign an experienced midfielder who knows all about Premier League football.
Wilder issues rally cry as Sheffield United prepare for play-offs
For the majority of the campaign, Sheffield United found themselves in a three-way battle to earn automatic promotion and had plenty of hope that they wouldn’t be the side to miss out in the Championship. One slip too many quickly allowed Burnley and Leeds United to end the race, however – leaving the Blades to fight for a place in the Premier League through the play-offs.
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Speaking about his side’s disappointment, manager Chris Wilder rallied his troops, telling reporters: “We can’t start feeling sorry for ourselves, I don’t think people expect me to and the coaches and players.
“We’ve got to raise ourselves, dust ourselves down and go again. We haven’t disgraced ourselves, we haven’t let ourselves down. Hopefully the majority of the supporters will see that and back us in the play-off games and if we get the better of four 45-minute halves, we have a trip to Wembley.”
Just who the Blades square off against in the play-offs is the big unanswered question. As things stand, they will be joined by Sunderland – who have their place confirmed – Bristol City and Coventry City, who must both win on the final day to secure their spot once and for all. Should they fail to do so, then Millwall, Blackburn Rovers and even Middlesbrough could all take advantage.
Given how strong Wilder’s side have been this season, to now miss out on promotion entirely would be a major blow on and off the pitch, especially as they look to sign one particular midfielder.
Sheffield United join Wilfred Ndidi race
According to The Boot Room, Sheffield United have now joined the race to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer in a deal that will cost just £9m thanks to the Nigerian’s relegation release clause. The Blades aren’t alone in their interest though, with Everton and Burnley also among the clubs chasing the midfielder’s signature this summer.
A veteran in the Premier League these days, Ndidi would be an important arrival for the likes of Burnley and quite possibly Sheffield United if they earn promotion through the playoffs. Without victory at Wembley, however, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to attract the Leicester star.
Earning plenty of praise throughout his time with the Foxes, former Leicester boss Mike Stowell took time to speak about Ndidi’s qualities on the BBC Radio Leicester’s ‘When You’re Smiling’ podcast earlier this season, saying: “I have always known (Wilfred Ndidi) as a number six because of his defensive attributes.
“But he is also dogged and will go all day long and put his body on the line. He is very clever with his challenges and those long legs of his just give him range.”
