Chris Wilder set to beat Leeds United to the signing of playmaker that Jack Grealish loves

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Sheffield United are set to elbow Leeds United aside and complete the signing of a Championship playmaker that Jack Grealish has once described as “class”.

Leeds are right in the thick of the transfer window at the moment, having made a third summer signing in the form of Joe Rothwell on loan from Bournemouth but about to sanction the exit of Glen Kamara, too.

Finland star Kamara is off to Rennes for a fee of around £8.5m and it leaves Leeds stretched in midfield despite the addition of Rothwell and the breakthrough talent of one-time Wales midfielder Charlie Crew.

One thing Leeds lacked last season was attacking midfielders and while Georginio Rutter starred, it is not his natural position. One player Leeds had been linked with signing was Callum O’Hare at Coventry City.

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Callum O’Hare starred for Coventry and is now a free agent

Despite missing the first couple of months last term due to a cruciate ligament injury, 26-year-old O’Hare sparkled for Mark Robins’ side and went on to have a hand in 14 goals in 36 game, scoring 10 himself.

Described as “class” by former Aston Villa academy teammate Grealish, O’Hare has now made the decision to leave Coventry on a free transfer after five years at the club following his initial loan in 2019.

Leeds are one of many clubs interested but The Sun’s Alan Nixon has reported on his Patreon channel that Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United are set to win the race and land O’Hare ahead of Leeds on a free.

Brenden Aaronson return may lessen need for O’Hare at Leeds

Not many would have seen it coming but the return of Brenden Aaronson does strengthen Leeds, almost as if the American’s return to Elland Road is like a new signing. A £25m player, suddenly back in Yorkshire.

Aaronson is likely to stake a claim for the 10 role and it could push Georginio Rutter to the right flank, a role which Daniel Farke had earmarked for Rutter when initially doing interviews to join the club as boss.

Leeds still require cover in the 10 role but having Rutter, Aaronson and even new signing Rothwell on the books, it does lessen the need for a player like O’Hare. On a free however, he would be a terrific signing.