Exclusive: Sheffield United set to beat Wolves and Birmingham City in race to sign Chelsea player
Sheffield United are closing in on the signing of Chelsea defender Harry McGlinchey, sources have told Football Insider.
The left-back, 18, is free to leave Chelsea this month with a sell-on clause to be included in any move.
Wolves, Sheffield United and Birmingham have all expressed an interest in signing the Republic of Ireland Under-19 international in the window’s closing stages.
However, the Blades have now moved ahead of their rivals after the latest talks and are poised to win the race for McGlinchey’s signature in the coming days.
Sheffield United close in on Harry McGlinchey
McGlinchey has featured mainly for Chelsea’s Under-18s side so far this season, with Under-21s opportunities limited given the strength of the side.
The Blues do not see the full-back breaking into their first-team plans any time soon and are prepared to let him leave, sparking intense interest in a deal.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 21 January that McGlinchey would leave Chelsea this month after approaches from Birmingham City, Wolves and Sheffield United.
They have, however, protected his future value with the insertion of a sell-on clause which will guarantee Chelsea a percentage of any future sale.
Sheffield United have moved quickly to get ahead of their rivals and agree a deal, and are now closing in on a full agreement to bring him to Bramall Lane.
Raheem Sterling update emerges after Chelsea exit
McGlinchey is not the only player who has been told he is free to leave Stamford Bridge this month, after Chelsea finally agreed to terminate Raheem Sterling‘s contract.
However, Football Insider revealed on 30 January that Leeds are unlikely to pursue Sterling despite holding an initial interest in his signature.
Sterling agreed to be released from his Chelsea contract earlier this week after a tough three-and-a-half years at the club following a 2022 move from Man City.
He was a regular starter in his first two campaigns at Stamford Bridge, with 19 goals and 12 assists in 81 games, but fell out of favour under Enzo Maresca.
The Blues have now moved to cut his wages from the bill with no intentions to reintegrate him into their squad, and he will now move on for free.
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