Sheffield United 'miss out' on free agent midfielder after signing for Cardiff City

Cardiff City have completed the signing of former Bristol City midfielder Callum O'Dowda and he was a name said to be of interest to Sheffield United. The 27-year-old becomes the Bluebirds' fifth signing of the summer so far.

Primarily a wide man, he has left Ashton Gate after six years with the club. Walesonline claim he was wanted by seven Championship sides and the Blades and Swansea City have been named as two who had made him an offer.

He is a Republic of Ireland international who is not short of Championship experience having racked up 160 appearances for the Robins.

The transfer window opens tomorrow and United are hoping to make early inroads into Paul Heckingbottom's plans to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season, which gets under way on Saturday, July 30.

The Blades boss has 'six or seven' positions in his squad he would like filling and the midfield area is in need of attention. Morgan Gibbs-White and Conor Hourihane have departed the club following the expiry of their loans and depending on what happens with Sander Berge in the coming weeks, this is an area that could be the most important for the recruitment team.

CEO Stephen Bettis revealed last week that the club were hoping to progress two of their transfer targets, with a free agent offered terms and a transfer bid submitted for a player with a fee attached.

Although money is available to spend, the majority of United's signings will be frees and loans from the Premier League, similar to last season.