Leeds United’s rivals close in on third January transfer as Chris Wilder confirms injury blow
Sheffield United missed the opportunity to regain top spot last night
Leeds United’s promotion rivals Sheffield United are closing in on their third signing of the January transfer window. Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury is expected to begin a medical this weekend ahead of a move to Bramall Lane.
The Blades, who missed the chance to regain top spot from Leeds after suffering a surprise 3-0 defeat at home to Hull City last night, are hopeful of finalising a deal for Choudhury in time for their next Championship fixture against Derby County. Chris Wilder’s men have already added forwards Ben Brereton Diaz and Tom Cannon to their ranks this mont
Wilder refused to criticise his players after Friday’s Yorkshire derby defeat. It was their third match in a week. “Maybe it’s just caught up with us a little bit,” he admitted. “I’ve got to say congratulations to Ruben and his side. Getting the first goal was key tonight.
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“They defended very well. Compact. Sat in and made it difficult and we never found that rhythm and connection and quality round the edge of their box.”
The Blades remain second in the table, a point behind Leeds, after falling to their fifth defeat of the season. Wilder said: “There will be a dramatic verdict on it by everybody, the Championship, our own supporters, but we’ve been in it long enough to know sometimes you have these nights.
“We’ll get back on the bike. I’m not going to beat the players up. That’s (nearly) 60 points, we’re in amongst it and have done a lot of things right this season.
Femi Seriki was not risked in the Yorkshire derby due to a calf problem. “We’ve pushed a few like Femi and Tom Davies, and unfortunately they’ve picked up little niggles. Just enough to leave us a little bit light.
“Yet again we’ve got a pretty inexperienced bench, with three of them that are not really going to get on. We didn’t turn up tonight not to win, but I’ll protect them and I’ll back them because we’ve been absolutely outstanding.”
