Alfie Gilchrist agrees to join Sheffield United on loan — report

Alfie Gilchrist became a bit of a cult hero last season, with the Academy youngster igniting passions with his full-blooded displays off the bench to help us see out a few victories. He also provided one of the most delightful moments of the season, when he scored his first senior professional goal for Chelsea. It may have been the sixth goal of a 6-0 drubbing of Everton, but his celebrations underlined just how much it means to play for your boyhood club. In an era where that connection is (once again) in danger of being trivialized, it was a helpful reminder that football isn’t just business.

But speaking of football business, Gilchrist has been targeted for a loan this season, which is probably the next best step for his own development, and that loan has now been decided. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 20-year-old has agreed to join Sheffield United, who finished rock bottom of the Premier League last year and are thus back in the Championship.

The Blades have jettisoned a few veterans this summer, including Chris Basham and John Egan, but return both of their regulard center backs in Anel Ahmedhodžić and Auston Trusty. Chris Wilder often plays with three at the back however (with Jack Robinson usually serving as the third last season), so there should be plenty of opportunities for young Gilchrist to impress in a 46-game Championship season.

READ MORE: Leeds United ‘expect’ to complete top-class forward signing – sources

Leeds United expect to complete a forward signing well before the 31^st August transfer cut-off, sources have told Football Insider.

The Championship club are currently exploring the market for a Crysencio Summerville replacement following his move to West Ham.

Leeds submitted a verbal bid of £7million to Norwich City for Jonathan Rowe, but it has yet to be formalised.

Football Insider revealed that the Canaries have already responded, telling Leeds they’re “nowhere near” their valuation for the 21-year-old.

Norwich have knocked the offer back, which means the Yorkshire giants will have to make an improved offer if they want to land Rowe.

Despite their initial bid for Rowe being rejected, sources say that the Whites are “very confident” they can sign a top-class replacement for Summerville this month.

Leeds United need to bolster their attacking options after Crysencio Summerville’s departure

Summerville’s departure does leave a hole in Daniel Farke’s attacking options due to his impact on the team.

The winger made 49 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 21 goals and providing 10 assists.

Another player the Yorkshire giants have been considering a move for is Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

Football Insider revealed that Leeds are among the clubs tracking the winger, but there is lots of competition for his signature.

Southampton are considering a second bid of £12million after their initial £7million bid was rejected, and sources believe the Whites would be unwilling to match that.