Sheffield United’s bid to sign John Swift has hit the buffers with Reading owner Dai Yongge blocking his move to Bramall Lane, according to the Berkshire Live.
A fortnight ago, it seemed only a matter of time before one of the most creative midfielders in the Championship was being unveiled in the red and white stripes of Chris Wilder’s Blades.
After confounding the critics by securing a top half finish in their first season back in the Premier League, Sheffield United are in the market for a defence-splitting talent capable of making their inconsistent attack as feared as their watertight back line.
According to GetReading last month, a £3.5 million offer had been put on the table for Swift; a former Chelsea youngster who produced six goals and ten assists for a mid-table Royals side in 2019/20.
What’s more, Swift seemed very keen on the idea of joining Wilder’s ranks, with Sheffield United expected to beat Leeds and Aston Villa to his sought-after signature (Star).
Who can blame him either?
In the last 12 months, Wilder has transformed a host of lower league veterans, including Enda Stevens, John Egan and Oli Norwood, into proven top-flight stars.
But while speculation suggested that Reading would have no choice but to sell during a period of unprecedented financial uncertainty, it seems that the Championship outfit are digging their heels in at the last.
Owner Dai Yongge has put Swift under lock and key for the time being.
It remains to be seen whether he is trying to leverage a bigger fee for Reading’s prized asset, or whether he simply wants the 25-year-old to stay put and help fire Mark Bowen’s side into play-off contention next season.
Either way, this is an obstacle Sheffield United might not have seen coming.
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