Sheffield United learn Chris Mepham’s most likely destination after Bournemouth trigger extension

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Chris Mepham is expected to move on from Bournemouth this summer, and EFL Analysis can now reveal his most likely destination.

Sunderland captured Chris Mepham on loan from Bournemouth last season, and the 27-year-old helped the Black Cats win promotion to the Premier League.

Despite recently triggering a one-year extension with the Cherries, it was revealed that Sheffield United entered the race for Mepham.

The Blades have been joined by newly-promoted Burnley and Sunderland in the race for his signature, which threatened to throw a spanner in the works for Chris Wilder.

Now, in a latest update on the transfer saga, Mepham’s most likely destination has been revealed.

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Sheffield United are the most likely to sign Chris Mepham this summer

Under the guidance of Regis Le Bris, the Welsh international featured 40 times in all competitions for Sunderland and formed a solid partnership with Luke O’Nien.

That supplied hope of the Black Cats securing a permanent deal for the centre-back but as per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, Mepham’s most ‘likely’ destination is a top-end Championship club, handing a boost to Sheffield United.

“They wanted to keep the value [by giving him the extension],” Bailey told EFL Analysis. “They’ll assess it clearly. I still think he’s more likely, from what I hear, to be heading to a top Championship team than he is a Premier League club. I don’t think Sunderland will go for it.”

Bailey did state, though, that a decision isn’t expected to be made for a while, as most Championship clubs are reluctant to spend money and would rather explore the loan market first.

“I’d say Sheffield United are likely, to be fair, but there’s quite a bit of interest in him actually,” he added. “But, it’s still early June and I don’t think we’ll see anything there yet. Championship teams are pretty reticent to spend money. They obviously want to see what loan deals are out there first; it’s tough for EFL teams.”

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How Sheffield United can become promotion favourites

A deal for Mepham would be a huge boost to the chances of Wilder’s men achieving promotion, with the Blades close to completing a deal for another centre-back.

Sheffield United are closing in on the signing of Jimmy Dunne, who is set to leave QPR at the end of his contract.

With Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson forming a strong partnership, adding Mepham and Dunne to their squad would nearly complete their defence, needing just a right-back.

Then, it’s just a question of whether they can keep hold of Vinicius Souza and Gustavo Hamer, who are both attracting Premier League interest.

If they can successfully sign the above players, keep hold of Souza and Hamer, as well as add a proven goalscorer to their ranks, the Blades will become one of the promotion favourites alongside Ipswich Town and Southampton.