Sheffield United are facing stiff competition from Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers in the race to sign Manchester City starlet Max Alleyne on loan.
The 20-year-old defender is available for a temporary move this summer, and both clubs are keen to land his signature, according to a report from SportsBoom.
Blades Look to Reignite City Link, But Rovers Provide Challenge
The Blades are no strangers to nurturing Manchester City talent, having previously developed midfielders James McAtee and Tommy Doyle during their respective loan spells. That successful working relationship could yet give them the edge in landing Alleyne, a highly-rated England Under-20 international who is hungry for regular senior minutes.
However, Blackburn Rovers are presenting a serious threat to those plans. The Ewood Park outfit are understood to have made Alleyne a key defensive target and are pushing hard to bring him in before the start of the Championship season. With Rovers known for giving opportunities to young talent, it’s a proposition that will undoubtedly appeal to the former U18 Player of the Year at City.
Sheffield United, relegated from the Premier League last season, are looking to rebuild a squad capable of challenging at the right end of the table. Alleyne’s versatility and calmness on the ball are seen as a natural fit for Chris Wilder’s system, particularly in a back three. But with minutes likely the key selling point, the competition from Rovers may come down to promises of game time.
Alleyne Ready for the Next Step
Despite spending two years in the first-team training environment under Pep Guardiola, Alleyne is yet to make a senior appearance for City. He was part of their FIFA Club World Cup squad this summer and has received glowing praise from Guardiola, who called him a player with “special quality with the ball”.
The young defender has been monitored by clubs at home and abroad, including Borussia Dortmund, but a breakthrough move has yet to materialise. A Championship loan is now seen as the best route forward by all parties, and both Sheffield United and Blackburn are poised to offer him that chance.
Writer’s View
This is a battle that Sheffield United can’t afford to lose. The club’s prior success with City loanees puts them in a strong position, but they’ll need to offer more than a familiar path to convince Alleyne. With Blackburn’s reputation for giving young players real responsibility, the deciding factor may come down to who can promise the most minutes.
For the Blades, who are desperate to inject youth and technical quality into their backline, landing Alleyne would be a timely boost. But make no mistake, this one could go right to the wire.
