Exclusive: Sheffield United Eye Dinamo Winger Arber Hoxha in Transfer Tug-of-War with Hull

Sheffield United could find themselves in a transfer tug-of-war with one of their Championship rivals if Chris Wilder sanctions a swoop for Arber Hoxha, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Albanian winger, who impressed for his country during Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against England, is known to feature on Hull City’s wanted list following Sergej Jakirovic’s appointment over the summer.

But Wilder, whose side find themselves locked in a relegation battle after a miserable start to the season under Ruben Selles, has also been alerted to the Dinamo Zagreb winger’s potential availability and affordable price tag as he plots what will be a make-or-break overhaul of Bramall Lane’s first team squad.

With the on-loan Louie Barry seemingly set for an early return to Aston Villa after falling out of favour since Wilder’s return, United are expected to be in the market for an attacking midfielder given there is also a question mark over Gustavo Hamer’s long-term future at the club.

Hoxha has spent his entire professional career playing in either Kosovo or Croatia, despite representing their Balkan rivals at international level. 

Having turned 27 in January, he would welcome the possibility of enjoying a spell abroad and showcased the talents which prompted Jakirovic to consider submitting a bid for his services after taking charge of The Tigers.

INTRIGUING

Although Dinamo are not actively looking to cash-in on Hoxha, having only recently extended his contract until 2029, his estimated £440,000 a year wages make him an intriguing yet affordable option for United and City.

Jakirovic previously tried to sign the winger whilst in charge of Kayserispor, and believes that would put his employers at the front of the queue should Hoxha look to exploit his new found profile by orchestrating a switch to the EFL.

But Wilder would be confident of pipping The Tigers given United’s greater stature and, being in receipt of a parachute payment, ability to pay a higher salary. 

Although the consortium which controls The Blades appears in danger of breaking up, with at least two of its members thought to be ready to sell their stakes, that has served to hand Wilder even greater control over recruitment policy than might otherwise be the case having begun his third spell at the helm of his hometown club earlier this term, only three months after his deal was terminated in favour of Selles.

United are also monitoring Southampton’s Shea Charles and are reportedly willing to spend big, though Rangers remain the frontrunners for the Northern Irishman.