According to The Star, Championship outfit Sheffield United are considering a double swoop for Tottenham Hotspur duo Alfie Devine and Ashley Phillips.
The Blades parted ways with former manager Chris Wilder yesterday, just weeks after their play-off final heartbreak, hiring former Southampton, Reading and Hull City manager Ruben Selles as his replacement.
Sheffield United missed out on promotion back to the Premier League courtesy of a last-minute winner from Sunderland winger Tommy Watson.
The club need to replace the six loanees that have returned to their parent clubs, alongside the potential departures that might occur as a result of missing out on promotion.
Although the window for the Blades hasn’t been busy, the club have made one signing, bringing in Ehije Ukaki from Bulgarian outfit Botev Plondiv on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Targeting Young Spurs Duo
Centre-back Phillips spent last season on loan at Championship rivals Stoke City, where he made 39 appearances in all competitions. The 19-year-old has also gained valuable first-team experience at Plymouth Argyle, where he played 20 games in 2023/24, after joining the club in January.
Phillips joined London-based Spurs from Blackburn Rovers in 2023 for a seven-figure sum, but is yet to make a senior appearance for the club.
Another Championship loan move could be beneficial for the England under-20 international, who has impressed at second-tier level before.
20-year-old Devine spent his season on loan at Belgian side KVC Westerlo, but has had previous experience in the EFL with Port Vale and Argyle.
In all competitions in Belgium, he has played 32 games, scoring six times and providing one assist in the process. Unlike Phillips, he has made his first-team debut for the Premier League outfit, and is Spurs’ youngest player and goalscorer, but a move down a division to gain more first-team experience would be favourable.
New Era and Need for Recruits
With Selles taking the hot seat at Bramall Lane, in what for many was a surprising appointment, it feels like a new era at the club.
Six loanees departed and returned to their parent clubs, leaving multiple loan spots that need to be filled, and with Phillips and Devine no doubt far down the pecking order on Thomas Frank’s lists, temporary moves could work perfectly for all parties.
The Blades currently only have two contracted centre-backs in Anel Ahmedhozic and Jack Robinson, with Rob Holding returning to Crystal Palace. Ahmedhozic and Robinson only have one year left remaining on their deals.
The club’s failure to achieve promotion could result in players leaving, with the likes of midfielders Gus Hamer, Sydie Peck and Oli Arblaster already linked with moves away from Bramall Lane. This could open up a position for Devine, who normally plays a more attacking midfield role, but can also play further back.
Writer’s View
Sheffield United have sorted their managerial situation fairly quickly, which means new man Selles has a full window to put his own spin on the squad. There should be no doubt that the Blades, again, are going to be one of the clubs tipped for promotion, especially if they keep hold of key players and recruit well.
Bringing in Phillips and Devine would be a good start, with both proven at Championship level. The move would work for all parties if it were to materialise.