Ruben Selles reveals how close Sheffield United are to signing ‘very dominant’ defender

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Sheffield United are in desperate need of defensive recruits after their shocking start to the 2025/26 second tier season.

Sheffield United are set to be busy in the transfer window between now and the September 1 deadline day, given their barren start to the season.

Ruben Selles has hit out at Sheffield United’s recruitment amid his difficult first spell in charge, and his grievances hold weight regarding the Blades’ business.

Anel Ahmedhodzic joined Feyenoord from Sheffield United, leaving Spaniard Selles short of stellar options at centre-back.

Selles’ lack of quality central defenders is evidenced by the Blades conceding five goals in their opening two Championship matches, and Sheffield United have eyed a plug for their leaky defence.

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Ruben Selles comments on Sheffield United’s move for Ben Mee

As a result of their lacklustre start to the season, Sheffield United have been searching for central defensive recruits.

Sheffield United bid £8m for Bobby Thomas from Coventry City, but they could be beaten in their pursuit after reports emerged that Brentford and Burnley are eyeing Thomas.

Also, Sheffield United have made a bid for Nils Zatterstrom of Malmo in the region of £2.5m, as the Blades look to raid the side they signed Ahmedhodzic from in 2022.

Aside from those targets, Sheffield United are pushing to sign Ben Mee on a free transfer after the veteran defender departed Brentford at the end of last season.

Ahead of Sheffield United’s Saturday clash against fellow top-six hopefuls Millwall, Selles has delivered an exciting update regarding Mee’s potential signing.

Selles told Sheffield United’s media: “He’s fit, he’s been training on his own and he’s joined the training really well. He looks like a player that has been taking care of himself.

“We had Ben on the list at previous clubs because he was a very powerful player in the Premier League.

“Defensively-wise, very dominant, aerially-wise, very dominant. He’s the type of player you want in the Championship, and his character is a big, big consideration for us. Let’s see what happens in the coming days.”

As well as Mee, Sheffield United want Ben Godfrey and Japhet Tanganga, but the former Bees star would present a far more experienced option at 35-years-old.

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Ben Mee’s experience can help Ruben Selles’ Sheffield United defence

Mee began his senior career at Manchester City, but failed to fight his way into starting XI contention before loan spells with Leicester City and Burnley.

In January 2012, the defender’s stint at Turf Moor was made permanent, where he spent over 10 years before joining the Bees on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

Mee ended his three-year association with Brentford this summer after making 67 appearances.

The Blades already have two seasoned central defenders in their ranks with Jack Robinson and Rhys Norrington-Davies.

However, both of those are in demand; QPR want Norrington-Davies, and Wrexham are interested in Robinson.

Although Mee’s game time took a hit under Thomas Frank last term, with just seven top flight outings, his experienced head and assuring presence would be crucial for Selles to solve Sheffield United’s defensive woes this season.