Aston Villa and Middlesbrough are said to have eyes on the same player, which could impact Sheffield United’s own transfer plans.
Sheffield United’s hopes of signing Middlesbrough’s Marvin Johnson may have been dented by Aston Villa.
The Sheffield Star speculated on Tuesday that United could be edging closer to a deal for Johnson, who looked set to be replaced by Yannick Bolasie at Middlesbrough.
But according to Sky Sports, Aston Villa have made a late move for Bolasie, leaving the Everton winger with a decision to make between the two clubs.
Should Bolasie opt for Villa, Middlesbrough are unlikely to want to release Johnson without having secured an alternative – as Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, explained was the case with one unnamed target, thought by many to be the Boro man, last week.
But even then, United’s pursuit may not be completely over, with Middlesbrough also being linked with a move for Jason Puncheon, the Crystal Palace winger, courtesy of the Daily Mirror (August 21st, page 50).
Will the Blades – who have been credited with interest in Aston Villa’s Scott Hogan – get their man in Johnson?
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