Leeds United are set to deliver a formal bid for Sheffield United defender Jayden Bogle imminently, according to a report by Leeds Live.
The Reading-born defender came through at the Derby County academy before making the switch to Bramall Lane in 2020. Since then, he has made over 100 appearances for the side, including 34 in the Premier League last season.
Now, Leeds have made him one of their top targets this window. The right-back position is one that they were always going to need to strengthen, with Sam Byram, a career left-back, the only player who could reasonably play there.
Last season, Daniel Farke utilised young midfielder Archie Gray as his right-sided defensive option, however, the academy graduate moved on to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer. With a direct replacement yet to be purchased, Bogle therefore seems to be the choice of the hierarchy at Elland Road.
Last season saw the 23-year-old become an integral part of his side for the first time since his move to Yorkshire. Therefore, Blades boss Chris Wilder reportedly doesn’t want to lose a player who he wishes to be a key part of his squad for the upcoming campaign.
However, they may not have a choice, with the defender only having one year left on his deal. Typically, that would mean that the price of a move would likely be under market value, however, the Sheffield outfit have set a price of £7 million on their key man, which is approximately double the Transfermarkt valuation of the player.
However, although Leeds Live are reporting that no bid has yet to be made, Football Insider have now reported that two offers, around the £4 Million mark have been submitted and rejected.
With no out-and-out right-back option, and the Championship opening weekend less than four weeks away, Leeds will be wanting to wrap this deal up quickly. Furthermore, their potential promotion rivals Sheffield United will also want to know sooner rather than later about the future of their man.
Writer’s View
There is no doubt that The Whites need to improve their squad depth in this position, and signing Bogle would not just fill that, but also show ambition. A young English developing star, with experience at promotion out of this league and in the top flight could be exactly what they need.
For The Blades however, this would be another blow in what is turning out to be a long summer for Chris Wilder and his staff with 11 players already having gone out the door.
