Sheffield United: Interest in target hots-up

Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City are reportedly monitoring the centre-half who asked to leave MK Dons earlier this week.

But sources close to Karl Robinson’s side claim that South Yorkshire would be McFadzean’s preferred destination if his transfer request is granted, despite new manager Chris Wilder’s bid to streamline a wage bill he believes has spiralled out of control in recent seasons.

Like Wilder, who was unveiled as Nigel Adkins’ successor last month, the defender is a lifelong United supporter and progressed through Bramall Lane’s youth system before arriving at Stadium MK, via Alfreton and Crawley Town, in 2014.

McFadzean’s younger brother Callum, another Steelphalt Academy graduate, yesterday agreed a long-term contract with Scottish Premiership outfit Kilmarnock.

Wilder has embarked upon a major rebuilding exercise since taking charge of United and is known to have included the former England C international’s name on his list of potential targets. Mark Duffy and Chris Hussey, previously of Birmingham and Bury respectively, recently became his first new signings with a physical targetman also known to feature among United’s priorities.

McFadzean’s efforts to try and negotiate an exit from Dons could prompt Wilder to ask for permission to hold talks with the player and his representative.

But, after lavishing praise on Duffy and Hussey for “not putting pound notes first”, Wilder would expect the 29-year-old to accept any proposed salary offer before holding more detailed discussions.