Sheffield United could turn their attention to Crystal Palace defender Rob Holding as they look to boost their automatic promotion chances, according to Alan Nixon.
Boss Chris Wilder has reportedly been priced out of a move for top defensive target Jimmy Dunne.
Wilder Seeks Cut-Price Deal
United’s interest in Dunne has cooled as Queens Park Rangers want around £3 million for his transfer.
This has led the Blades to turn their focus to the out-of-favour Holding who has yet to play for Palace in the Premier League this season, being restricted to games in the EFL Trophy as part of the club’s under-age squad.
A deal for Holding is likely to be a loan transfer as the 29-year-old has 18 months left on his Selhurst Park deal, meaning any deal will be far more affordable for the Bramall Lane outfit.
Championship Competition For Holding
The Blades are not the only second-tier side to be keen on Holding, with Frank Lampard’s Coventry City also showing an interest.
Coventry has now won four in a row after beating Swansea City yesterday, pushing them up to 11th in the Championship, just three points off the playoff spots.
Sheffield United have been incredibly strong defensively this season but with the injury to Australian defender Harry Souttar are left light in terms of central defensive cover.
Experience For Promotion Push
Despite seemingly being frozen out at Palace, Holding is only 29 years old but brings with him over 160 appearances for Arsenal and close to 100 Premier League outings.
With the Blades firmly in a race for the top two and Lampard guiding the Sky Blues into a playoff race, Holding could be the perfect defensive addition to either squad.
Writer’s View
Holding’s time at Crystal Palace looks to be over despite the 18 months left on his contract and the options available to him to gain some first-team action are excellent.
Holding will surely move before tomorrow’s deadline, the only question is where he sees the best fit for his immediate future.
