Former EFL boss set to rival Ruben Selles to first Sheffield United signing, he is a familiar face for the Blades boss

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Sheffield United have set their sights on the first signing of the Ruben Selles era as the Blades boss targets a player he knows very well.

Sheffield United appointed Ruben Selles as Chris Wilder’s successor, a decision that has seemingly split the fanbase.

Despite the Blades reaching the Championship play-off final, Wilder was let go by Sheffield United, with the club going down a new technical route under the new owners.

With the managerial choice being made by the new owners, Sheffield United will now waste no time bringing in star talent.

A midfielder may be top of Selles’ wishlist, especially with the uncertainty of Gus Hamer’s future at Sheffield United, and the former Hull City boss may turn towards a Tigers man to fill that sizeable void.

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Sheffield United set to battle Valencia for Steven Alzate

Per a report from The Mirror, Sheffield United look set to battle La Liga giants Valencia for Hull City star Steven Alzate’s signature.

While Valencia, who former West Brom boss Carlos Corberan manages, are reportedly the frontrunners in looking to sign the Colombian, Selles previously managed Alzate in East Yorkshire in the back-end of the 2024/25 season.

On top of starring for Hull City in the previous campaign, Alzate has notched Premier League experience with Brighton.

Alzate has one year remaining on his deal plus a 12-month option at Hull City; however, owner Acun Ilicali is reportedly open to a deal that would help fund signings for new boss Sergej Jakirovic.

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How Steven Alzate could transform the Blades

Signing Alzate would be a true sign of intent by Sheffield United – whilst on the surface it is a midfielder who was in-and-out of a relegation-threatened Hull City side, the young Colombian central midfielder would be a great replacement for Gus Hamer.

Playing in a similar role to Hamer, Alzate can bring play into life, sitting deep yet always looking for a darting run from the forwards whom he can thread a ball through to. With Ben Brereton Diaz, for example, the Chilean could potentially return to his best with Alzate having a keenness to distribute to the wings.

It is safe to say that Hamer will be irreplaceable if his likely departure goes through, but they can come close to his talents with Alzate, a tough-tackling and forward-thinking youngster who has previously shown his talents in both the Premier League and Championship.