Jon Dahl Tomasson handed transfer blow as Blackburn Rovers miss out on target

Sheffield United are set to sign centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic from Malmo despite interest from Blackburn Rovers.

The Blades are confident of landing the Bosnian international in a permanent £3million deal. As reported by our sister site, Yorkshire Live, the Malmo defender has had a medical at Bramall Lane and will fly out to their Portugal training camp imminently.

Rovers were hoping to agree a deal to reunite Jon Dahl Tomasson with his former centre-back but he will instead join their Championship rivals. Tomasson is keen to bolster his options in the heart of defence after losing Darragh Lenihan and Jan Paul van Hecke's loan coming to an end.

Ahmedhodzic collected two Swedish Allsvenskan titles with Malmo under Tomasson and spent the second half of last season on loan at French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. However, after the French club declined their option to buy, Rovers and Sheffield United have been trying to agree a deal.

Reports in the national media have suggested that Rovers tried to persuade Ahmedhodzic to reconsider their Ewood Park proposal over the weekend but the 23-year-old is heading to Sheffield. His contract in France expires next year.

It's the first major blow for Tomasson and new Director of Football Gregg Broughton. However, the club are hopeful of completing their first senior signing before Saturday's pre-season friendly at Accrington Stanley.

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