Chris Wilder set to be boosted by signing he missed out on at Sheffield United

Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is set to secure the signing of defender Darragh Lenihan following his release from Blackburn Rovers.

The 28-year-old was someone who ex-Blades boss Wilder did try to recruit during his time in South Yorkshire and finally looks set to secure his man. Middlesbrough are seeking to improve on their 7th placed finish last season and are poised to confirm Lenihan's signing later this week.

Rovers confirmed the arrival of new boss Jon Dahl Tomasson earlier this week with it somehow hoped the Dane could persuade the centre-back to remain at Ewood Park.

Wilder's shrewd recruitment is something many had praised him for during his time at Bramall Lane, bringing in the likes of Enda Stevens, Jack O'Connell and John Fleck. But with Boro acting fast to secure their man, Wilder will be very pleased to finally complete the signing of a player he has long been an admirer of.

Lenihan was offered a contract extension with Rovers just weeks after the season had drawn to its close, but has now taken to social media to confirm his departure.

He wrote: "After 11 years and 252 games for Blackburn Rovers Football Club my time at this club has come to an end.

"I will be forever grateful to this club for giving me the opportunity of fulfilling my dream to become a professional footballer. I arrived to this club at 17 years old from Ireland and if it wasn’t for the help of its staff, management and fans I wouldn’t be here today.

"This club will always be special to me, it’s the club that gave me my first start, it gave me friends that I now consider family , where I got married and had my children and above all gave me the great honour of captaining this incredible team.

"A special mention to the fans, you