"He’s just what we need" - Sheffield United backed to complete QPR transfer | OneFootball

The Blades are still in the market for a centre-back after Harry Souttar's season ending injury.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

The battle at the very top of the Championship table has started to heat up substantially over the last few weeks with just five points separating first and fourth.

Leeds United currently lead the way ahead of Sheffield United, while Burnley and Sunderland sit just outside the automatic promotion places.

However, it is the Blades who look to be in the ascendancy in the transfer market after announcing the signing of Tom Cannon from Leicester City for £10m.

Despite this, Chris Wilder is still in the hunt for a new centre-back after Harry Souttar's season ended early due to an Achilles tendon injury, and he has now returned to the Foxes, his parent club.

The Yorkshire outfit are in need of bringing in a new replacement, and QPR's Jimmy Dunne could be the perfect player to come in and fill the void that has been left by the Australian.

Verdict made on Sheffield United's Dunne interest

Football League World exclusively revealed on Thursday that the Blades are plotting a move for the R's defender, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Wilder is intent on bringing in more cover at the heart of his defence, and the 27-year-old could be the perfect player to come and play next to Anel Ahmedhodzic.

FLW asked their Sheffield United Fan Pundit, Jimmy from Blades Ramble, if he would like to see the Irishman brought to Bramall Lane before the 3 February deadline.

"Jimmy Dunne would be a fantastic signing for Sheffield United, he’s just what we need to be honest," he started.

"He’s in the same category of other players that we have signed in our previous promotion seasons. We signed Martin Cranie, Gary Madine, Scott Hogan, Kieran Dowell during that time, and while they're not absolutely statement signings by any means, they are really solid, good Championship players."

Jimmy continued: "I think Dunne has got the potential to potentially bridge the gap, and he’s an improvement on what we've got as well, absolutely.

"He’s out of contract at the end of the season, so we can likely get him for a good fee. It's something that we've talked about on the Ramble for quite a while, we do like him. I’m all for Dunne coming in this January."

Dunne's versatility will be useful for Wilder

Although centre-back is perhaps the area in which Dunne will be used if Sheffield United do make a move for him, he seems to be natural at right-back, and his ability to play in both positions will be extremely useful for Wilder.

At 27, he has plenty of Championship experience, and there is no doubting that he will be able to make the step-up to one of the division's best teams.

However, his potential departure would be a huge loss for QPR, especially if he leaves for a fee that does not truly represent his talent and ability.

Sheffield United will benefit greatly from Dunne's contract coming to an end soon, and this will make him extremely vulnerable to bids from the Blades in the next week-and-a-half as deadline day closes in.