Sheffield United has reportedly revived their long-standing interest in defender Chris Mepham and will look to bring him to the look on the expiration of his contract, as reported by Alan Nixon.
Mepham looks set to leave Bournemouth after a season away on loan.
Crucial Summer Ahead For Blades
Following the crushing playoff heartbreak last weekend against Sunderland, Sheffield United are currently surrounded by uncertainty as the futures of key players and even the manager are reportedly up in the air.
One thing that is for sure is the Bramall Lane outfit will need reinforcements to replace those players who eventually leave the club and long-time target Mepham is again on the shopping list.
Mepham has been on Chris Wilder’s radar before, with the United boss interested in his signature back in January 2024 and now looks set to reignite that interest.
Interest In Mepham May Come At A Cost
The Welsh International defender is out of contract at the Vitality Stadium this summer but the Sunderland Echo reported that his employers are considering extending that to allow them to at least recoup some of the £8 million they paid Brentford for his services.
Having spent the season on loan at Sunderland, and being part of the Black Cats side that defeated the Blades in the playoff final, Regis Le Bris’ side are also said to hold an interest in the 27-year-old.
Should Bournemouth choose to trigger an extension to the defender’s contract, a bidding war between the two playoff finalists could be on the cards.
Mepham would add experience to either side and he is a player who is entering his prime years. He has already amassed 47 caps for his country and has over 200 club appearances to his name.
He is also a player who knows how to get promoted out of the Championship, having achieved it twice, once with Bournemouth and now Sunderland.
Writer’s View
Sheffield United appear to be in some turmoil at present with the lack of clarity around Chris Wilder’s future. That coupled with Sunderland being able to offer Mepham Premier League football, should they make a bid, is likely to see the Blades miss out on their man yet again.
