Sheffield United 'enquire' about 'outstanding' Chelsea starlet but face Leeds United competition

Sheffield United have been linked with a second player this week with reports they have 'enquired' about Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter. The 24-year-old centre back has impressed during a season loan at Coventry.

His contract at Stamford Bridge comes to an end in the summer, but the club does hold the option to extend it by a further year. However, it is not clear what the intentions are due to the current takeover.

As it stands, the Blues cannot activate new deals under the sanctions imposed by the UK government until the ownership situation is cleared. That means he is free to speak with other clubs and several are said to be interested.

According to The Sun, Leeds and Sheffield United have already enquired about the left-sided centre back, who Mark Robins described as 'absolutely outstanding'. The two Yorkshire sides are not the only ones said to be in for him, with PSV and Club Brugge mentioned also.

It's the second player this week to be linked with interest from the Blades. Blackburn Rovers' out-of-contract midfielder Joe Rothwell has been reported as being on their radar. However, newly-promoted Bournemouth are said to be leading the race for his signature.

Both players fit the bill for what Paul Heckingbottom is looking at for next season. The transfer plan is to focus on free agent and loan players, but that could change if they get into the Premier League.