Sheffield United 'edging closer' to capture of Middlesbrough and Derby County-linked Rangers midfielder
Sheffield United are reportedly edging closer to the signing of former Leeds United midfielder Joe Rothwell from Rangers.
A cultured midfielder, Rothwell spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Elland Road and helped the Whites clinch the Championship title.
AFC Bournemouth sanctioned a permanent exit following the conclusion of his loan spell and the 31-year-old travelled north of the border to join Rangers.
It has not worked out in Scotland for the seasoned operator, who has been strongly linked with a return to the Championship.
Sheffield United ‘edging closer’ to Joe Rothwell signing
Sheffield United have repeatedly been credited with interest, while the likes of Middlesbrough, Derby County and Stoke City have also been linked.
According to The Star, the Blades are close to winning the race for Rothwell’s signature having booked in a deadline day medical.
A move to Bramall Lane would reunite Rothwell with Patrick Bamford, who he played alongside in LS11 last term.
Verdict on Joe Rothwell
In December, former Blades marksman Brian Deane told The Yorkshire Post he felt Rothwell would be a shrewd addition for his old employers.
He said: “I think that would be a good signing for them because I think they need that kind of discipline, they need somebody who's a bit of an organiser.
“Funny enough, I watched a little bit of the game the other day against West Brom and I actually thought they've got a good squad, but somebody like him would be a good addition.
“If they can get a run together after Christmas, they could still end up in the play-offs, you know. They've got as good a squad as anybody in that division, I think.”
Sheffield United have kicked off their deadline day business with the signing of another former Leeds player, landing defender Leo Hjelde on loan from Sunderland.
They have also been linked with Burnley’s Joe Worrall and it remains to be seen whether there will be any more business conducted.