Leeds United and Sheffield United have been involved in a number of transfers this summer, whether that is deals involving a player swapping clubs or the duo interested in the same player.
Jamie Shackleton left Leeds on a free at the end of June and opted to make the switch to Chris Wilder’s Blades, meaning he does not have to uproot his young family and continue to remain in Yorkshire.
Meanwhile, Jayden Bogle swapped Sheffield United for Leeds this summer to the tune of £5m. Both sides are also said to be interested in a deal for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with a loan expected.
But it is a Chelsea defender that has now chosen his next club with both Leeds and Sheffield United said to have shown interest this summer. Alfie Gilchrist has made a decision on where he will go on loan.
Alfie Gilchrist makes decision on next club after links with Leeds
Leeds were linked with Chelsea talent Gilchrist early in the summer window and then, Gilchrist was left in London rather than flying to America with the rest of Enzo Maresca’s squad as he prepared for a loan.
Able to play at both centre-back and right-back, interest in Gilchrist seemed to dip from a Leeds point of view after The Whites completed the permanent signing of Joe Rodon and lured Bogle to Elland Road.
Nevertheless, a player on Leeds’ radar but “amazing” Gilchrist has now decided to join Sheffield United on loan from Chelsea. Fabrizio Romano broke the news on his well-followed X account on Monday.
Romano said a medical would take place on Tuesday: “Chelsea talent Alfie Gilchrist has chosen Sheffield United as loan option. Medical and signature to be completed on Tuesday — here we go.”
Gilchrist a good signing but Bogle the better option at Leeds
There was no doubt Leeds needed a right-back. Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen, Shackleton, Connor Roberts and Archie Gray all left the club in one way or another this summer, all able to play right-back.
In comes Bogle, the first player to wear the no.2 shirt at Leeds since Ayling joined the club back in the summer of 2016 from Bristol City. Bogle is a proven Premier League player, scoring three goals last term.
For £5m, Leeds have got themselves a bargain in Bogle with the right-back in the final year of his deal at Bramall Lane. Gilchrist is a talent but remains largely unproven as he looks to replace Bogle under Wilder.
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