Sheffield United linked up with the midfielder with over 340 league appearances to his name

Sheffield United have recently been credited with an interest in Preston North End central midfielder Alan Browne.

In a report by Alan Nixon, The Sun journalist claimed that Preston had offered the 29-year-old a club-record deal with United and Coventry City struggling to match. However, I understand the Ireland international will leave Deepdale this summer.

The Blades will be in the market for midfielders this summer as Vinicius Souza and Ismaila Coulibaly are likely to leave the club, with Sheffield United legend Oliver Norwood set to leave at the end of his contract in a few weeks.

But, is Alan Browne a player the club should be looking for?

Should Sheffield United sign Alan Browne?

Browne played over 340 times in the Championship, scoring 39 times and providing 22 assists for the Lancashire side. He also has 35 caps for Ireland and his Ireland connections could pay dividends in United’s pursuit of the midfielder.

Keith Andrews, who is part of the Blades’ management staff, was part of the Republic of Ireland set-up before being brought to Bramall Lane by Chris Wilder in December. In addition, current Ireland captain John Egan would be a familiar face for Browne, although Egan’s future is unknown given his current contract expires in just a few weeks.

The 29-year-old has plenty of experience at this level, plus the Irishman has played at least 35 times in eight of his nine Championship campaigns, proving he is a reliable member of the squad for the long haul . Browne has also shown he can play multiple roles in the middle of the park over the years

And while he might not be the flashiest of midfielders, having an experienced, durable and versatile midfielder to combine with Oli Arblaster and Gustavo Hamer could be the perfect midfielder next season.

As I mentioned in a previous piece: I think Sheffield United should and will look to bring in some Championship veterans in a way to steady the ship. With the number of players needed as part of the summer rebuild, many of the players coming in will need to have experience, and preferably Championship experience, for the squad to hit the ground running.

One or two midfielders such as Browne, Lewis O’Brien and Alex Mowatt should be the priority – then perhaps a cheap ‘project’ like Marc Leonard will be the way to go.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Tom Davies and Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United cheer for the fans at full-time after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sheffield United at London Stadium on September 30, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

Of course, when we talk about the need for experience, we must not forget that Tom Davies has amassed 164 Premier League appearances to his name at the age of just 25. And while he has shown some decent touches and neat passes this term, he simply hasn’t been fit enough and has therefore featured in just nine league games. In the past three years, Davies has missed 48 games through injury.

There is no doubting the former Evertonian’s footballing ability, especially at Championship level. But his fitness record in recent years is worrying – they’re basically the opposite of someone like Alan Browne.