According to the Sheffield Star, Preston North End’s £10million valuation on Ben Davies has put off Sheffield United from making a move.
The Blades are in the market for a new left-footed centre back, having seen Jack O’Connell go down for the rest of the season through injury.
Huddersfield Town’s Terence Kongolo is a top target, but his injury situation means other options have been looked at – including Davies.
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
However, North End have told United to pay £10million, which the Premier League club are seemingly reluctant or unable to pay.
They splashed out £23.5million on Rhian Brewster last week, so funds are tight at Bramall Lane – possibly so much so that Chris Wilder can’t land Davies.
MORE PRESTON STORIES
The deadline for Premier League clubs to sign EFL players is next Friday, meaning Preston could still lose Davies despite the international window closing on Monday.
Davies, 25, has arguably been the success story of Alex Neil’s time at Deepdale, going from an almost forgotten left back prospect to one of the first names on the teamsheet at centre back.
He’s quick, reads the game well and passes out from the back brilliantly, meaning he fits in well as the left-sided centre back in Wilder’s 3-5-2 system.
Given that Davies is out of contract at the end of the season, Preston’s firm stance is admirable – but it remains to be seen whether the Blades can tempt North End into reducing the asking price ahead of the deadline.