Sheffield United are apparently poised to beat Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers to the signing of a Chelsea player.

Sheffield United have improved dramatically since Chris Wilder returned to the club for a third term in charge in September, following a six-game losing streak in all competitions under former manager Ruben Selles.

Not only has Wilder kept his side out of relegation danger, but talk of a late push for the play-offs has gained traction at Bramall Lane, with the Blades now just nine points below the top six.

Wilder stated a desire to make changes to his team ahead of the January transfer window, but United have only made one new addition in what has been a quiet month, with defender Ki-Jana Hoever coming on loan from Wolves.

However, the Blades face a busy few days ahead of Monday’s 7pm deadline, with a number of incomings and outgoings planned, including Chelsea defender McGlinchey, according to Football Insider.

Sheffield United are closing in on a deal for Harry McGlinchey from Chelsea, amid interest from Birmingham City and Wolves.

It was announced last week that Sheffield United, Birmingham, and Wolves were vying for Harry McGlinchey’s signing, and it now appears that the Blades have won the race, with the move expected to be completed before the end of the window.

McGlinchey started his career at Plymouth Argyle before moving to Chelsea at the Under-14 level, where he has worked his way up the ranks in recent years.

McGlinchey signed his first professional contract with the Blues in December 2024 as a reward for his improvement, and he has also become a regular for the Republic of Ireland at underage level, earning six caps for the Under-19s so far.

However, McGlinchey has mostly played for Chelsea’s Under-18s this season, with the defender struggling to break into the Under-21 squad due to the level of competition for places, and with no clear path to the first team at this point, the Premier League giants made him available for transfer this month.

McGlinchey appears to have had plenty of suitors in the January window, with Championship play-off hopes Birmingham and top-flight bottom side Wolves both showing interest, but Sheffield United now appear to have gotten ahead of their rivals.

Harry McGlinchey’s move to Sheffield United could have a domino effect on Harrison Burrows.

It’s unknown whether McGlinchey will join the Sheffield United senior squad right away or if he’ll be considered for the future, although the arrival of another left-back at Bramall Lane might lead to a departure.

With Sam McCallum establishing himself as Wilder’s first-choice left-back this season, one of the previous season’s stars, Harrison Burrows, has fallen out of favour in recent months, and Turkish club Trabzonspor had a £3.5 million bid for the 24-year-old rejected earlier this month.

While they have yet to return with a better offer, if they meet the Blades’ £5 million valuation before the conclusion of the window, the impending arrival of McGlinchey may persuade United to cut ways with Burrows.