Forget Chris Mepham, Sheffield United must sign ‘quality’ defender instead after big Bournemouth decision

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Sheffield United have been interested in Bournemouth star Chris Mepham, a foe the Blades know well after the defender spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sunderland.

Sheffield United were beaten by Sunderland in the Championship play-off final last month, to condemn the Blades to another gruelling season in the second tier.

The summer transfer window will be imperative for Chris Wilder, as he looks to resurrect his side for another promotion push, in the wake of the dramatic defeat against the Black Cats.

Chris Mepham, on loan from Bournemouth, featured for Sunderland in the Wembley showdown for the Black Cats, and since the season concluded, Sheffield United have been targeting Mepham as a potential summer signing.

The Blades have been interested in the central defender’s services ahead of next season, but have now been dealt a potential stumbling block in their pursuit of the Welsh international.

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Sheffield United handed blow in pursuit of Chris Mepham

Mepham played a pivotal role in the Black Cats’ promotion-winning squad during his loan spell on Wearside after making 40 appearances.

Since the play-off final win, Welshman Mepham has been in action for his national side, with Welsh Media stating he “struggled” against Belgium in their 4-3 World Cup qualifiers defeat.

Sheffield United and Sunderland remain strongly interested in his signature this summer, but could be trumped by Burnley in their Mepham pursuits.

However, the greater stumbling block than the reported interest from the Clarets regards the fact that Mepham was included in Bournemouth’s retained list for this season.

This would suggest that the Cherries will trigger their option to extend his contract for a further season, as Mepham was set to enter the final 12 months of his current deal.

Therefore, the Cherries can command a higher fee for the centre-half this summer, who is still expected to depart the Vitality Stadium this summer.

As a result, the Blades must push on to sign other centre-back target Jimmy Dunne, with Sheffield United closing in on a move for Dunne after his QPR departure.

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Jimmy Dunne transfer makes more sense than Chris Mepham for Sheffield United

In the January window, Sheffield United tried to sign Dunne, but failed in their attempt, and the versatile defender remained at Loftus Road to help his side to safety.

After a stellar campaign for the R’s, Dunne has not extended his contract at the London outfit and has become a Championship free agent.

As such, EFL Analysis understands that the Blades are pushing ahead with their interest in the former Sunderland man.

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes has sung the praises of the defensive stalwart throughout his time with the R’s, and as per Football London last year, praised his character.

Cifuentes, who has been touted for the Middlesbrough job, said of Dunne last year: “He deserves everything. I’m very happy for him. He’s a quality, quality human being.

“Perhaps people tend to underrate him. In the Championship, he has always played, with different managers, and there is a reason why.”

Both the Blades’ targets cemented themselves as two of the best defenders in the second tier last season, but the financial aspects of a move now favour Dunne heavily.

Mepham’s estimated transfer value sits around the £5 million mark, and was reported by Capology to be earning £25k per week at Sunderland.

Dunne however, evidently is a free agent which negates a transfer fee outlay, and has been estimated to have been earning £8.5k per week at QPR by Capology.

Given Dunne’s more impressive metrics over Mepham last season, and the financials involved, Sheffield United must press on with his signing to bolster their backline for next term’s promotion charge.