QPR boost as Sheffield United set to take 'desperate' transfer plans to Swansea City

Sheffield United are now looking at a move for Swansea City defender Harry Darling over the final days of the January transfer window, following reported interest in QPR stalwart Jimmy Dunne.

The Blades, who are chasing promotion back to the Premier League and sit second in the division, are in the market for a defensive acquisition before Deadline Day following a serious injury to Harry Souttar. Chris Wilder's men had been reportedly keen on Dunne as he enjoyed another head-turning season.

However, R's head coach Marti Cifuentes appeared determined to keep his man following defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. Now, it appears as if Sheffield United have located a new target.

Sheffield United interest in Harry Darling

The Star reports that the Blades have 'inked Harry Darling's name on their list of transfer targets' just days after Cifuentes confronted the transfer talk. Darling is out of contract at Swansea City come the end of the campaign and there appears to be little sign of a new deal being signed.

Speaking back in September about his future at Swansea, Darling admitted: “There have been no talks yet but I’ve loved my time here. We will see how that pans out."

Since then, a new deal is believed to have been offered but not signed. Swans boss Luke Williams said recently: "I think we are potentially going to be putting that to bed and letting Harry concentrate on his football."

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to Bramall Lane since 2022, when playing at MK Dons. He instead moved to Wales for around £1 million and has made over 100 appearances for the Swans.

Darling could come in as a replacement for Souttar, who picked up a season-ending Achilles issue in December. The Blades have conceded as many goals in their last seven games without the defender (10), as they did in the 21 fixtures prior.

Dunne is in a similar position at QPR to that of Darling at Swansea City, with the former Burnley man's contract set to expire this summer. QPR had triggered an extension, believed to be just for one more year, last season.

QPR boss confronts Jimmy Dunne future

When asked for an update on Dunne transfer talk, Cifuentes said on Saturday: "I don't have anything from the club perspective about it. Jimmy for me is a very important player, I know that he loves to be at QPR and loves the club, and we love him. We'll see what happens but he is a very important player for us."

Dunne has made 32 appearances across all competitions this season and is a mainstay under Cifuentes, becoming a fan favourite thanks to his enthusiastic performances at right back. The R's would be devastated to see the player leave, but a lucrative offer from their second tier rivals could tempt the club before facing the possibility of letting the player leave as a free agent this summer.

Speaking as the player was tied down for another year last season, QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: “It is an absolute pleasure to announce that the ’Jimmy Dunne, QPR’ story continues.

“Jimmy has demonstrated in the last six months that he has the bravery and capacity to throw himself into the unknown following his taking on of a right-back role and make a success of it. With an infectious enthusiasm, huge heart and relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the training pitch, Jimmy is a credit to this club.”

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