Leeds United will have to pay Sheffield United £7 million to secure the transfer of defender Jayden Bogle, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
News emerged yesterday that the Whites were targeting the 23-year-old, with Mike McGrath revealing the interest. The full-back is coming off the back of his most prominent season at Bramall Lane since joining from Derby County in 2020, making 36 appearances in all competitions. However, it is worth noting that he has suffered his fair share of injury issues over the last few years.
The Blades are preparing to return to the Championship after their disastrous short stay in the Premier League. Manager Chris Wilder is hoping to bounce back quickly, although their summer transfer business has stalled as talks of a takeover take centre stage.
As a result, keeping hold of key stars has been the order of the day. A decision was taken in May to trigger the one-year extension in Bogle’s contract in order to avoid losing the player for free.
Leeds are said to be keen though. Their interest has seemingly come from the departure of teenager Archie Gray, who signed for Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £30-40 million earlier this month. The academy graduate was mainly utilised at right-back by Daniel Farke last season, although did move into the centre of midfield for the last few games. This saw 30-year-old Sam Bryam switch flanks to the right, but an upgrade appears to be high on the German’s agenda.
Sheffield United want £7 million for their player, although Nixon states that the two clubs remain far apart on their respective valuations.
The Yorkshire outfit are one of the favourites to secure automatic promotion after losing in the play-off final against Southampton in May. They are expected to be armed with a significant war chest following Gray’s sale, whilst further big-money departures are anticipated. Both Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto are said to be attracting interest from the Premier League and abroad.
So far, Joe Rodon has completed a permanent switch to Elland Road after his successful loan spell, whilst Joe Rothwell has arrived on loan from AFC Bournemouth.
Writer’s View
If Leeds launch a serious approach for Bogle, they are likely to see a reduction on Sheffield United’s £7 million valuation. The Blades are well within their rights to demand such a fee, especially as they would be selling to a direct rival for promotion. However, it is a lot of money for a player who only has one year remaining on his current contract.
There is a risk that the defender could leave his current employers for free at the end of next season, so the likelihood is that a lower bid will eventually be accepted. Alternatively, it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility to see that this is just agent talk and the ex-Derby man commits his future by signing a new deal in the coming weeks.
Head of Writing
