Sheffield United

Sheffield United

Premier League • England

Sheff Utd set sights on Rangers starlet Kyle McClelland, with deal hinging on crucial condition

Rangers defender Kyle McClelland

Sheffield United are interested in signing young defender Kyle McClelland from Rangers but will have to meet one condition to land him, according to a report.

McClelland is a 20-year-old centre-back who represents Northern Ireland U21s on the international stage. He currently plays for Rangers reserves and is yet to pick up his senior debut for the Scottish giants.

Despite this, McClelland is thought to be highly rated at Ibrox.

His contract expires on May 31 and that is leading to rumours of a move away from Rangers.

The Scottish Daily Express claim McClelland is eager to play regular first-team football. Due to this, he will aim to push through a transfer.

Sheffield United are among the list of potential suitors. Fellow Championship club Cardiff City, as well as the Blades’ potential play-off final opponents Huddersfield Town, are also keeping tabs on McClelland’s situation.

The report states Rangers will sanction his exit, as long as one key factor is addressed. They want a sell-on clause as part of the deal.

This would help them pick up a decent sum if the starlet makes a big-money move in the future.

As McClelland’s contract is running down, it is unclear how much bargaining power Rangers will actually have.

Kyle McClelland could replace Sheff Utd loanees

Signing the player could be a shrewd piece of business for Paul Heckingbottom’s side if the rumours about his potential are true.

United may need to add to their centre-half options over the summer. Ben Davies, Filip Uremovic and Charlie Goode are all set to return to their parent clubs after loan spells at Bramall Lane this season.

Chris Basham is in the twilight years of his career, too. That means bringing in a teenage central defender may be a good idea.

Rangers reserves player Kyle McClelland

Of course, Basham’s style of play is hard to replicate. But McClelland would have plenty of time to mould into such a role, should he end up in South Yorkshire.

United already have 19-year-old Kyron Gordon in their ranks. The Blades academy graduate has made five Championship appearances this term after being called back from a loan stint at Boston United.

So having Gordon and McClelland learning from the likes of John Egan and Basham would be a good way to ensure United’s future is in safe hands.