Sources: Sheffield United submit improved Harry Souttar offer
Sheffield United have made an improved offer of £8million to sign Leicester City defender Harry Souttar, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blades saw an opening offer for the 27-year-old turned down, but negotiations have continued over the last few days, with their next offer now on the table.
Leicester are believed to be holding out for a fee of around £10million to sell the Australia international, but the two clubs are now edging closer to an agreement.
Following the Foxes' relegation to League One, Souttar is expected to be keen on a return to Championship football, but will not be allowed to leave for a cheap fee.
Russell Martin has been clear about his plans for the centre-back, who captained the side during their 1-0 Carabao Cup win against Northampton Town to start the season.
Souttar remains under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2028, but with Sheffield United increasing their bid, they hope to lure him away before the transfer deadline.
Why do Sheffield United want to sign Harry Souttar?
Sheffiled United are one of a number of Championship clubs who were placed on alert following Leicester's relegation last season, with Souttar high on their list of targets.
The Blades have been long-term admirers of his, after Football Insider revealed back in 2024 that Sheffield United would bring him in, before he spent the season there on loan.
Chris Wilder is still a big admirer of the Australia international, and is aiming to take advantage of the opportunity to finally add him to his squad permanently this summer.
The Blades are facing a lack of depth at centre-back ahead of the start of the new season, with just three options on the books, and have turned to Souttar to ease their concerns.
That lack of depth could still worsen before the window closes, with Mark McGuinness and Nils Zatterstrom being linked with moves away from Bramall Lane.
As a result, they are accelerating plans to sign Souttar, and hope they can reach an agreement as they edge closer to Leicester's asking price.
Which other players are on Sheffield United's radar?
Given the lack of quality strength in depth at Wilder's disposal so close to the start of the new season, plans are accelerating to bolster the squad in a number of key positions.
A new centre-back is currently seen as a priority, hence the offers for Souttar, but the addition of a new central midfielder is also high on their list this month.
The Blades are now closing in on the signing of Kalvin Phillips from Man City, after Football Insider revealed in June that talks were taking place between the clubs.
Having spent the second half of last season in Wilder's side, all parties have been keen on a reunion on another loan deal as he aims to get his career back on track.
Phillips remains under contract at Man City until 2028, and still has made just 32 appearances for the club since his £42million switch from Leeds in 2022.