Sheffield United Explore Ross Barkley Signing Amid Championship Overhaul

Sheffield United are exploring the idea of attempting to sign Ross Barkley when the midfielder’s contract with Aston Villa expires this summer, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

The former England, Everton and Chelsea midfielder features on a long-list of close season targets compiled by Blades' boss Chris Wilder and Bramall Lane’s recruitment department as they plot a major overhaul of their first team squad.

Although Barkley would prefer to remain at the highest level, believing he still has a future in the Premier League, joining United would still prove tempting for the 32-year-old if they decide to press ahead with their interest. 

Kalvin Phillips, currently on loan in South Yorkshire from Manchester City, is a known option for Wilder after impressing with his work rate and professionalism behind the scenes since leaving Pep Guardiola’s squad.

However, even though he wants to permanently cut ties with his parent club after growing increasingly disillusioned with his situation there, doubts about Phillips’ durability have forced The Blades to consider possible alternatives with Barkley among those set to be assessed.

Having spent the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign with Luton Town, the Liverpudlian has shown he is willing to be sensible about his wage demands when negotiating with suitors. 

But Wilder could miss out on his man to a fellow Championship rival, as exclusively revealed by SportsBoom earlier this month, with Coventry City boss Frank Lampard targeting former lieutenant Barkley for the Sky Blues' long-awaited Premier League return.

Although Barkley is out of contract this summer, Villa retain the option to extend his deal by a further year, meaning he may not be available on a free transfer.

Wage Demands Could Prove Too Much

With their parachute payments set to disappear, United know they must cut their cloth accordingly when Wilder remodels the players at his disposal following disastrous experiments with AI and Ruben Selles.

But, if their owners COH Sports are able to source outside investment to bolster The Blades’ coffers, then they are prepared to back Wilder’s judgement as he looks to fashion a team capable of challenging for promotion following an indifferent seven months.

Intriguingly, Barkley completed a brief placement with United’s arch-rivals and neighbours Sheffield Wednesday at the beginning of his career as he carved a role at Goodison Park. 

Capped by England at youth and under-21 level, he has also represented his country 33 times on the senior stage.