Young midfielder Ethan Brierley is set to be unveilved as a Brentford player.

Highly rated young midfielder Ethan Brierley is set to be confirmed as a Brentford player. The 19-year-old midfielder completed a medical with the London club yesterday ahead of his move from Rochdale.
Paul Heckingbottom may well be kicking himself when he hears the news.

Sheffield United had the youngster in on trial but was prevented from signing him due to the transfer embargo that was put in place during the January window.

It looked at one point like Blackburn Rovers were going to pounce on United’s misfortune and take him to Ewood Park.

A deal had been done but, similar to their attempt to sign Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest, it was not ratified by the EFL and the move fell down.

Brierley, who featured 31 times for Rochdale in League Two this season, has now been snapped up by United’s Premier League rivals Brentford, who will place him in their B Team.

The Blades boss has made no secret of the fact that he wants more quality in the academy. As a development club, Heckingbottom is tasked with bringing through young players into the first team.

The club has already lost two talented youngsters who were destined for the first XI, with Will Lankshear joining Tottenham and Kyle Midwood joining Man City.

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Sheffield United aiming to strike transfer agreement with Norwich City

Ahead of the upcoming window, the Blades have been touted with a move for one of Norwich’s players.

Sheffield United have made contact with representatives from Norwich City over a potential swoop for an unnamed player, according to The Star.
It is understood that Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom is now preparing to start the process of constructing a team which will be ready to compete at Premier League level.

Members of United’s staff have approached counterparts at Carrow Road about the possibility of acquiring a member of Norwich’s squad.

While the identity of this individual has yet to be revealed, there are a number of candidates.

Which Norwich City players could Sheffield United potentially make a move for?

Max Aarons is one of the players who could potentially be on the Blades’ radar.

In an interview with The Athletic earlier this week, Aarons confirmed that he is ready to start a new chapter in his career by sealing a departure from Norwich.

The Canaries’ Sporting Director Stuart Webber revealed that he expects the full-back to move on to pastures new in the upcoming window.

Dimitris Giannoulis meanwhile has recently been linked with a move away from Norwich.

A report from The Pink Un last month revealed that Dinamo and Spartak Moscow are both eyeing a swoop for Giannoulis.

Aarons featured on 45 occasions for Norwich in the Championship last season, while Giannoulis clocked up 26 appearances at this level.

Both of these individuals are under contract at Norwich until 2024, and thus any potential suitor will need to pay a fee in order to secure their services.

Will the release of Sheffield United’s retained list offer a hint into transfer targets this summer?

Whereas many teams have already released their retained list, the Blades have yet to confirm who will stay, and who will leave Bramall Lane at the end of June.

As per The Star, this decision process is being held up by the fact that United are still negotiating deals with players.

Once the Blades finally announce their retained list, there will indeed be a clearer picture in terms of what areas of the pitch the club will be looking to improve.

With United seemingly keen to make a move for one of Norwich’s players, it will be interesting to see exactly who they are targeting a move for.

Given that the Blades are able to offer the chance to play Premier League football, a move to the club will be an attractive proposition for an individual who is currently playing in a lower division.