Exclusive: Sheffield United make move to sign Aston Villa big name

Sheffield United have registered their interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Ross Barkley, sources have told Football Insider.

The Championship club are keen to take the former Everton and Chelsea star on loan to bolster their squad in the second half of the season.

It is an ambitious move from Chris Wilder‘s team given Barkley is a high earner at Villa Park, but the Blades are hopeful they could work out a deal.

The 32-year-old’s current contract at Aston Villa is set to expire in June, although the club retain the option to extend his deal by one year.

Ross Barkley could leave Aston Villa for Sheffield United

Barkley has fallen out of favour under Unai Emery this season and has not started a single game across all competitions, playing a total of 153 minutes.

The midfielder has been sidelined with a knee injury picked up in their win against Wolves at the start of December, but is expected to return shortly after the window closes.

As a result, Sheffield United are keen to take a gamble on his fitness as they continue with ambitious plans to improve Wilder’s squad this month.

The Blades currently sit 16th in the Championship after a nightmare start to the season, but remain just nine points shy of the playoff places.

There is a growing belief that getting the right deals over the line in January will give Wilder enough to mount a serious challenge for a top-six finish.

Sheffield United lead race to sign Joe Rothwell

Barkley is not the only midfielder on the Blades’ radar this month, with the position seen as a priority should the right options become available.

Football Insider revealed on 12 January that Sheffield United want to sign Rangers’ Joe Rothwell, and are leading multiple rivals in the race for his signature.

This comes after Football Insider revealed last month that Rothwell was being eyed by numerous Championship sides ahead of the January window.

The 31-year-old has fallen out of favour under Danny Rohl and has been left out of the squad entirely since the end of November.

Rothwell joined Rangers from Bournemouth on a three-year deal in July after he had helped Leeds to the Championship title last season.

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