Sheffield United are keen on Southampton’s James Bree

Sheffield United are interested in a move for Southampton right-back James Bree this summer, according to reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon page.

Sheffield United have identified the full-back as a potential replacement for Jayden Bogle, who recently left for Championship side Leeds United. Chris Wilder has so far waded into the market to bring in the likes of Jamie Shackleton, Sam McCallum, Callum O’Hare, Kieffer Moore and Harrison Burrows to bolster their ranks.

Bree, 26, could now be seen by the South Yorkshire outfit as someone who provides competition and depth to their defensive department. He is under contract at Southampton until June 2026.

However, his chances of getting Premier League game time next season under Russell Martin could be reduced. Journalist Nixon reported on Patreon that he’s on the Blades radar this window as he targets more reinforcements.

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Bree was part of the Southampton team that were promoted to the top flight earlier this year. They beat Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley.

The Wakefield-born man joined Saints in January 2023 and has since made 27 appearances for them in all competitions, 21 of which came last term.

He played for Ossett Town before Barnsley snapped him up as a youth.

Bree rose through the ranks at Oakwell and went on to play 61 times for their first team.

Aston Villa then lured him in 2017 and he spent three years in the Midlands, some of which he spent on loan at Ipswich Town and then Luton Town.

The latter subsequently signed him permanently and made 143 outings for the Hatters before Southampton came calling.

Bree has Football League experience and knows what it takes to get out of the second tier.

The Yorkshireman could be a shrewd signing by Sheffield United if they were able to get hold of him and someone they could trust in his position.

The Blades’ first game is an away trip to Preston North End next Friday.